Air scrubber vs air purifier

Air scrubber vs air purifier

The arrival of the pandemic brought a complete paradigm shift in the way we live. We began spending more time indoors, and there was increased concern over the indoor air quality. The sales of air purifiers and air scrubbers reached an all-time high during this period, with people striving to choose the model that most suited their needs.

Both air purifiers and air scrubbers serve the purpose of air purification of the immediate environment. Both devices use the principle of ionization to clean the air, eliminating 99% of airborne after a thorough deep cleaning process. And, either choice will work if you are looking to buy a purification system for your home.

The main advantage of an air purifier is that the purification process takes place inside the unit. Pure air is circulated back into the room right after the cycle is completed.

The only downside to owning an air purifier is the maintenance and upkeep. Filters will need to be cleaned often or replaced. Replacing filters can be an expensive proposition. 

On the other hand, the air scrubber does not have any components that need regular replacement. Once it’s set up – it’s good to go. The drawback here is that the cleansing process takes place outside the unit.

However, the air scrubber has the advantage of releasing negative ions that attach themselves onto impure particles in the air and on surfaces (like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, etc.), making them heavier and dropping to the ground eventually. An air purifier can only rid the air of impurities and pollutants.

And, because these different air purification systems are so similar, we likely end up using terms like “air purifier” and “air scrubber” interchangeably. This article hopes to provide clarity on how they differ, in detail.

How do air scrubbers work?

An industrial air purification system that removes chemicals, gasses, and toxic particles from the air is known as an air scrubber. The word ‘scrubber’ comes from using a liquid to wash off pollutants from the air.

Air scrubbers are most often used for commercial applications, but some households can benefit from them, too.

Scrubbers are either wet or dry. A wet scrubber uses an air cleaning method where a liquid is sprayed to clean the air. Water is the most common material that is used in wet scrubbers. Air is sucked in through a damp pad or filter to trap free-floating particles.

On the other hand, dry scrubbers make use of a fabric or mechanical filter to clean the air, like a HEPA or carbon filter. 

Air scrubbers generate negative ions, which are sent out into the air. Then, these attach themselves to particulates and pollutants present in the air and surfaces like walls, doors, mirrors, etc.

As a result, smaller particles are caught onto the filter far more easily when passing through the air scrubber filter.

When should you use an air scrubber?

Air scrubbers are proven to be of great use in the following situations:

  • Any member of your household suffers from allergies
  • If your house smells of cooked food, pets, cigarette smoke, or generally has a musty odor 
  • You want to reduce pet dander, dust, mold, or pollen in the air and improve indoor air quality.
  • You want to reduce up to 99% of harmful contaminants on kitchen and bathroom surfaces
  • You have someone with deficient immunity at home and can’t afford for them to fall sick 

Units for home use can either be purchased as standalone systems or installed as part of an existing HVAC system.

How do air purifiers work?

Stages Of An Air Purifier

Air purifiers can be portable devices used to clean the air inside a residential space by capturing and killing contaminants within the air purifier. Most air purifiers come with a True HEPA filter that filters out small particles, viruses, and bacteria, removing close to 99.9% of the pollutants.

When the air purifier is installed as part of an existing HVAC system, the HEPA filtration process cleans the air off all harmful particles before the fresh air is circulated back into the room.

Ionic air purifiers or ionizers blow out negatively charged ions into the air. These negative ions then attach themselves to toxic particles present in the room, making them heavy and eventually causing them to fall down to the ground. They finally need to be vacuumed off the floor.

Other air purifiers use activated carbon filters, which are great for removing odors, and some come equipped with UV light filters that help kill germs and viruses.

The air purification process takes place within the air purifier itself. These air purifiers come equipped with a fan that forces air through different filters, thereby trapping all pollutants inside the unit.

However, filters will need to be cleaned or changed from time to time, depending on usage.

When should you use an air purifier?

Air purifiers are great for household use. They are perfect for cleaning the air within small spaces. If you have someone suffering from a respiratory condition like allergies and asthma, an air purifier is a perfect choice as it will help purify the air and give you fresh air to breathe.

Best Air Scrubber in 2022

After an intense round of testing and in-depth research, we concluded that the best air scrubber for 2022 is undoubtedly the XPOWER X-2580 Professional 4-Stage HEPA Mini Air Scrubber with Activated Carbon Filter. This small but mighty unit is capable of achieving professional-grade air purification. It is small and compact and can be moved into different rooms.

Pros:

  • There is a four-stage commercial purification process.
  • It has proven to improve indoor air quality with high-performing air filters that remove impurities and trap smaller particles.
  • It is equipped with a commercial-grade ½ HP motor that produces up to 550 CFM while drawing only 2.8 amps at the highest setting.
  •  It is equipped with five adjustable speed options for noise sensitivity depending on the environment and user needs.
  • These portable air scrubbers can be moved around easily. 
  • They are great for commercial and industrial use

Cons:

  • Filters will need to be replaced.
  • It could be expensive to replace filters frequently.
  • It can be a bit noisy and will require regular service and upkeep.

However, all household appliances require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity. While the above unit may be more common in commercial buildings, it can serve its function in a home, too.

FAQ Section

1. What is a Negative Air Machine?

A negative air machine creates negative pressure within a room, and the air flows into the room and gets contained there. The primary purpose is to prevent contaminated air from escaping into a particular space.

Negative air machines work on the principle that air naturally flows from areas with higher pressure to areas with lower pressure.

2. Do air scrubbers work on mold?

If removing mold is your primary objective, you will need to purchase an air scrubber that comes fitted with a true HEPA filter, and the unit can produce enough airflow. 

3. Are air purifiers actually good for you?

Yes, air purifiers are great for residential use and do a great job of air purification in small and large spaces. Air purifiers fitted with True HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, or UV light filters can remove dust, pet dander, mold spores. They can also kill viruses and bacteria and leave your space close to 99.9% clean.

4. Do air scrubbers produce ozone?

The primary purpose of air scrubbers is to clean air and remove toxins and pollutants in the environment without generating ozone. Air scrubbers make use of a single filter or a set of filters, which trap the pollutants and particulates. There is no generation of ozone in this process.

5. Can air purifiers remove viruses?

Yes, air purifiers fitted with True HEPA filters and UV light filters are known to kill viruses that are 0.1 microns in size.  They work just as well in eliminating air contaminants such as dust mites, and mold.

Wrapping Up

If your end goal is to find a device that works as an air cleaner, the air scrubber may be the way to go. We have already done our due diligence, weighed the pros and cons, followed by an in-depth study to identify the best air scrubber of 2022 is the XPOWER X-2580 Professional 4-Stage HEPA Mini Air Scrubber with Activated Carbon Filter.

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About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

How to keep moisture out of rv in winter

How to keep moisture out of rv in winter

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 The blog post discusses the damages that arise with excess moisture in your RV and high indoor humidity, and how to keep moisture out of your RV in winter.

🚀 The post suggests using dehumidifiers to keep moisture out of the RV, despite the pressure outdoors and the temperature of outside air.

🚀 A dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from the warmer air and lower temperature to make sure the inside air temperature is comfortable to stay in.

High moisture levels and humidity anywhere is an issue. If the RV that you travel in or stay in has excess moisture buildup and condensation forms constantly, you are in trouble because of the trapped moisture in your RV. The problems that arise from high indoor humidity and RV condensation are many. Almost all RV owners are looking for ways to reduce condensation and to reduce humidity as the moisture increases within an RV.

In this article, we will discuss the damages that arise with excess moisture in your RV and high indoor humidity and how to keep moisture out of your RV in winter. Let’s get started!

Why It Is Bad To Have Too Much Moisture In RVs?

A musty odor, mold growth, mildew buildup, condensation inside, uncomfortable temperature difference, poor quality of indoor air from the mold and mildew and allergens, etc. These are just a few of the many damages that come when the indoor temperatures and indoor humidity are not balanced.

Homeowners try had to reduce condensation and reduce humidity by trying to remove moisture from the environment. It is bad to have more moisture building upon in enclosed spaces, especially in an RV. Here we will discuss why it is bad when condensation forms in an RV, the hazards if you have too much moisture in your RV, the damages of mold and mildew and condensation inside, and more.

Visibility

One if the main reasons to prevent RV condensation and why keeping moisture out of RV in winter camping season must be a priority is the Visibility concern. Moisture buildup inside an RV is going to bring issues with visibility and here is how.

You might be aware of the fact that RV windows could be double pane windows or single pane windows. Although single pane windows are not great at proving insulation, single pane windows are easier to clean. On the other hand, double pane windows are a better option to provide insulation and keep the warm air environment inside. However, cleaning double pane windows is a challenge if the seal between the window panes breaks causing trapped moisture. When you notice RV condensation and the need to evaporate condensation at the earliest, take measures to remove moist air from the RV. You must stop condensation from filling anywhere in the RV to keep the RV windows free from RV condensation.

Moisture damage

RV walls and floors, RV windows (window or ceiling vent), RV oven, RV furnace, RV closets, etc., are some of the common places water vapor and water droplets can stay hidden and cause unseen damage. Moist air, water vapor, water droplets hiding away in hard-to-reach spots are a danger in not just an RV but in any area. Remember that RV condensation during winter camping alone is not a priority, but even during winter storage.

When there is no room to circulate air and water vapor and water droplets get trapped within the moist air, it can easily lead to damage in the hidden areas in enclosed spaces. Apart from musty odor, mold, and mildew, rust and rot are the other problems that can arise when you don’t remove moisture in your RV. Keep moisture levels under check and prevent condensation, especially in the hidden areas like the RV windows, RV walls, RV cushions, curtains, closets, mattresses, etc.

How To Keep Moisture Out Of An RV In Winter (Try These Effective Tips)

how to keep moisture out of rv

Warm air filled with moisture touching cold surfaces is the cause of RV condensation. The important step in removing RV condensation is to prevent condensation in easy and effective ways possible. If the cold air and warm air combination hitting the cold surfaces in your RV or the pressure outdoors is causing a change in indoor temperatures and leading to a rise in relative humidity, you must focus on ways to handle the balance.

Maintaining relative humidity, keeping moisture levels under control, and keeping an eye on the cold surfaces in the RV can be done. Here are a few effective tips that guarantee to reduce condensation, reduce humidity, and remove excess moisture in your RV.

Dehumidify

To reduce humidity, absorb excess moisture, and reduce the number of cold surfaces that warm air filled with moisture can come in contact with must be the priority in an RV. Maintaining the ideal relative humidity levels even during cold weather conditions is possible only with smart help- dehumidifiers!

An electric dehumidifier, moisture absorbers, desiccant dehumidifiers, etc., are guaranteed devices that can maintain the ideal relative humidity in an area. Cold weather, colder air, warm moist air, cold RV, fluctuating indoor temperatures, poor indoor air quality- any given situation with excess moisture can be dealt with with ease by a good dehumidifier.

Invest in moisture absorbers and dehumidifiers that can monitor the relative humidity levels inside the RV and ensure less moisture exists in the area going forward. Keeping moisture out of the RV, despite the pressure outdoors, the temperature of outside air, etc., can be carried out with dehumidifiers.

A dehumidifier can remove the excess moisture from the warmer air and lower temperature and make sure the inside air temperature is comfortable to stay in. When the air inside the RV comes in contact with outside air and leads to RV condensation, you can rest assured that the air temperature, relative humidity, and the quality of air inside are taken care of by dehumidifiers (even keeping the area free from mold and mildew).

Vent fans

Window or ceiling vent fans, roof vents are a simple yet thoughtful way to let the humid air escape from the RV. If you have window or ceiling vent fans installed, you must put them to regular use to allow the air temperature to return to a healthy balance. As the fans run distribution of the warm moist air takes place and you can let humid air escape. Using fans also prevents condensation and helps to evaporate condensation.

Windows and vents

The humid climate and RV condensation form when the air inside the RV is warmer air than the outside air. When warm air and cold air come in contact, the air inside the RV becomes humid. Opening windows and vents helps to circulate air and the moisture in the air escape. The inside air temperature also will improve almost immediately.

Investing in moisture absorbers and RV fans can be a great way to help the cold air and warm air circulation to take place. Activities like cooking and showering increase the warmth of the air inside the RV and in such scenarios getting RV fans to handle RV condensation becomes important.

High indoor temperature

Another smart method that can reduce condensation in an RV is increasing the temperature indoors. Since cold air meeting the warm air is the cause of RV condensation, a good way to stop condensation is to be mindful of the temperature in the RV.

Replace the use of an air conditioner with an electric heater to shoot the temperature slightly. Raising the temperature using electric heaters will make sure any cold surface like the windows, will not be affected by RV condensation.

Another point to remember when trying to stop condensation is to use a dry heat source. An electric heater or an RV heat pump are good examples of a dry heat source. Using electric heaters will provide the warmth required alone. This isn’t the case with a propane heat source. Propane heaters might give you warmth but will also add moisture to the environment. Avoid propane heaters to have less moisture added to the surrounding.

Drying clothes outdoors

Make use of laundry room dryers when available. Drying clothes outdoors or using laundry room dryers during the colder months will help to avoid the humidity increasing indoors.

Say NO to the gas furnace

Switch from propane heaters or propane furnaces to electric heating options or RV furnaces. A propane heat source or propane furnace will add moisture to the surroundings and thus must be avoided.

Another point to remember while depending only on an RV furnace to prevent freezing is that the furnace must be kept running constantly.

Cooking

Making changes to the cooking routine has a great impact to prevent condensation. The steam that comes out from cooking in open pans contributes to RV condensation. To stop condensation in the colder months, choose to use pans and pots with covers on them.

You can also resort to cooking outdoors to prevent shooting up the relative humidity indoors, consider switching to an instant pot (an instant pot is a trusted device to prevent steam and moisture building up indoors), invest in a convection oven or RV oven (a convection oven releases less moisture than a stove).

Insulate floors

Another way to raise the temperature in the RV is to keep the floor warmer. Insulting the RV floor with carpets, foam board, etc., are options to keep the floor warmer and increase the indoor temperature.

Insulate slide-outs

Another way to make a difference in the temperature indoors is to insulate RV slide-outs. Taping some foam board to the bottom of all the slides will seal any drafts that exist. You will notice a change in the temperature of the air near the floor immediately when you insulate the RV slide-outs.

Cabinet doors

An important step to ensure mold and mildew are not invading the small enclosed spaces as a result of severe RV condensation is to open the RV cabinet doors as often as possible. A cold RV with cold surfaces and several small enclosed spaces is the best environment for mold growth.

Open the RV cabinet doors to promote air circulation, especially when you have cold weather. Letting out the moisture that is trapped by opening the cabinet doors is a small sensible step to prevent condensation.

Windows

Insulting the windows or switching from single pane windows to double pane windows will help to prevent the RV condensation or moisture from getting locked in the windows. The temperature difference between the outside and the indoor cold surfaces leads to RV condensation affecting the single pane windows easily. Insulate the windows to avoid this concern.

Campground facilities

Winter camping can be handled effectively by making use of the campground facilities. The most common cause of increased moisture in RV in winter (or even otherwise) is hot showers. Avoid hot showers inside the RV as best possible. When you turn on a hot shower, whether in a motorhome or in a home, you pave way for a humid environment.

As much as we all love hot showers, especially in the winters, it is advised to make use of campground facilities when you want to take a hot shower.

How big of a dehumidifier do you need for your camper?

vremi-main

Choosing the right capacity dehumidifier for the camper depends on the square feet area of the RV. RV owners are found to be choosing anywhere between 1500 ml capacity dehumidifiers to 500 ml capacity devices.

The amount of RV condensation, water vapor content in the RV, level of relative humidity maintenance required, mold and mildew growth, etc., will determine the size of the dehumidifier the camper can use.

FAQ Section

1. Should you tarp your RV in the winter?

It is recommended that you cover your RV using ropes or bungees to prevent the UV rays from damaging paint and bodywork, and also the excessively cold weather from damaging the engine parts. A breathable cover will protect the RV and also help it stay warm.

On the other hand, a tarp may seem like it can help the RV stay warm and protected but they are not breathable. They serve as traps for water vapor and can lead to mold and mildew growth.

2. Do you need a dehumidifier in RV?

Yes. The best-recommended way to maintain the ideal relative humidity level inside an RV and to absorb excess water vapor content from the air is to invest in a trustworthy dehumidifier.

3. Do RV covers cause mold?

Yes. If the RV cover is left unsupervised or is not well ventilated (like a Tarp), the cover will end up trapping water vapor and lead to mold growth.

4. How to stop condensation in a pop up camper?

To prevent RV condensation in a pop-up camper, follow the tips aforementioned. Remember to store wet gear outside and not close to the sleeping area, and always open the windows and vents when the weather permits. This will help in building up warmth inside the camper and keep the relative humidity balanced.

5. Does DampRid work in cold weather?

Yes, using DampRid during RV winter camping is a smart way to avoid RV condensation.

6. What should the humidity be in RV?

Maintaining a relative humidity level between 30% to 50% is good enough for an RV.

7. How can you stop the camper from smelling musty?

Preventing mold and mildew growth, avoiding water stagnation, keeping wet and damp items away, promoting air circulation. These are the best ways to naturally avoid musty smells inside enclosed areas.

Wrapping Up

That’s an end to the article. We trust you learned how to keep moisture out of RV in winter and the hazards of letting moisture build up inside an RV. Share with us your experiences of camping in an RV during the winter and the methods you follow to keep RV condensation away.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

What is better a dehumidifier or air purifier

What is better a dehumidifier or air purifier?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 The post suggests that both dehumidifiers and air purifiers can be essential in the same room, but sometimes just one or the other might be sufficient.

🚀 It explains that dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from humid environments, while air purifiers are designed to filter indoor air pollutants.

🚀 The blog post discusses the differences between a dehumidifier and an air purifier, and how they both work to improve indoor air quality, reduce airborne contaminants.

Keeping the indoor air quality perfect must be a priority. Little do we worry about the air that we breathe in and the need to improve indoor air quality on a daily basis. The battle between air purifiers and dehumidifiers is constantly ongoing. Many homeowners are often faced with the doubt of which one to purchase and what’s a better choice- an air purifier or dehumidifier or both dehumidifier and air purifier.

We must remember that although air purifier vs dehumidifier is a discussion, both an air purifier and dehumidifier come with their differences. The manner in which dehumidifiers work cannot be a substitute for air purifiers. Let us discuss in detail the benefits and functions of both an air purifier and dehumidifier and which device is a better choice to improve air quality for your home’s air.

Do you need a dehumidifier if you have an air purifier?

As aforementioned how dehumidifiers work is different from the functions of an air purifier. Dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from humid environments. High relative humidity levels in a home’s air are hazardous. A dehumidifier comes with the ability to remove excess moisture levels and monitor the humidity levels in your home.

Excess moisture in the air increases the relative humidity levels of the space. High humidity levels contribute to high humid environments. A humid environment is not uncomfortable, rather it comes with many problems from the excess moisture build-up. Removing excess moisture will be crucial at this point.

A dehumidifier can extract the excessive moisture from the air, turn into water vapor by the process of condensation then reduce it to water. By removing excess moisture from the humid environment, you will be able to maintain the indoor humidity level of the place.

The room’s humidity levels can be monitored as well using an electronic dehumidifier. Excessive moisture and excess humidity level can be brought under control in humid environments only using an electronic dehumidifier or a desiccant dehumidifier and not with an air purifier.

Hence, if your room’s humidity level is high and tackling this excess humidity level and removing the excessive moisture is your priority, you will need a dehumidifier and air purifier. However, if you only want to improve air quality and reduce moist air and working on the moisture levels is not essential, you can do well with just air purifiers.

Here is what both air purifiers and dehumidifiers can do for the air in your home. They both can clean air, reduce airborne contaminants, reduce airborne allergens, remove dust mites, mold spores, remove the musty smell or damp odors, trap pet dander, etc.

Moist air is famous for supporting mold growth and mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, airborne contaminants, musty smells, and causing damage to the respiratory system. Allergy sufferers and those with a poor respiratory condition must invest in air purifiers and dehumidifiers to get cleaner air.

feeling sick with mold

A damp environment thrives only when the humidity levels of the place are high. You can have air purifiers and dehumidifiers in the same room to get the cleanest air, especially when you have allergy sufferers in your home. You can get a healthier living environment with an air purifier that traps airborne contaminants and airborne pollutants or harmful pollutants, mold spores, pet dander, can remove dust mites, smoke particles, and ensure you get the cleanest air. The high-efficiency particulate air filter or the HEPA filter, UV light, Ultra low penetration air, Ultraviolet radiation, activated carbon filter, etc are the various contents air purifier has to perform their function and provide the cleanest air.

However, preventing mold spores and mold growth, reducing dust mites and airborne contaminants, pet dander, musty smell, etc., can be done only if the humidity level and excess moisture in your home’s air is brought under control. Working on moist air by passing air over the cool surface of the refrigerated coil. extracting the excess moisture from the air, and having the collected water removed from the humid space can be done only by a dehumidifier. Turning moist air into dry air is the only way excess humidity levels and moisture can be taken care of, be it by a desiccant dehumidifier or by an energy efficient electric dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can improve indoor air quality, give you clean air and still remove excess moisture and humidity level. This cannot be done with air purifiers.

Do dehumidifiers have HEPA filters?

Midea Dehumidifier

Some advanced dehumidifier models come with HEPA filters installed in them. HEPA filtration or high efficiency particulate air is the highest form of air filtration mechanism. It can make the air cleaner like no other device. Some dehumidifiers come with an activated carbon filter on them to make the air cleaner and free from mold spores, dust mites, and airborne contaminants.

Although air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems come with filters to clean air, only an air purifier unit will have a true HEPA filter. The contents air purifier can come with is advanced and of various types. To get the cleanest air and the best indoor air quality even in damp environments, you must get air purifiers and not dehumidifiers. However, a dehumidifier with HEPA air filter is an excellent choice to handle humidity levels in humid environments and still give you indoor air that is dry and free from mold growth and mold spores, dust mites, musty smell, etc.

Which is better air purifier or dehumidifier?

dehumidifier air purifier combo

As discussed above, in the battle air purifier vs dehumidifier there is no winner. Both dehumidifiers and air purifiers come with unique functions. Air purifiers and dehumidifiers might be essential in the same room sometimes just air purifiers or dehumidifiers alone might be sufficient. Whether you need an air purifier or dehumidifier depends on your requirement.

Removing excess moisture and tracking the fluctuations in humidity levels can be performed only by a dehumidifier. If your aim is to have a home that has the humidity level maintained and free from excessive moisture you will find the dehumidifier helpful. You must remember that most homeowners find a dehumidifier a wiser pick when it comes to air purifier vs dehumidifier. This is because air purifiers can give you clean air alone. But, a dehumidifier can work on the moisture and humidity levels of the area which is the source of problems. It is also possible to integrate a dehumidifier into the HVAC systems or air conditioning systems of a home. Air conditioners can cool air and still affect the humidity slightly. If an air conditioner is able to reduce the humidity level in the room and you find an air conditioner sufficient you can lean in with that choice.

Maintaining the best of respiratory condition, getting the cleanest air, and a device to not just remove dust mites and mold spores, but a unit that can offer protection even from smoke particles is an air purifier. Only air purifiers come with air filters that are designed to offer the best protection. They can even remove dust from the dry air, moist air, and damp environment. Air purifiers have air filters in them that are advanced to offer exceptionally clean indoor air.

Ionic membrane

Some air purifiers make use of the mechanism of the ionic membrane. An air purifier with ionizer negative ions, which will then merge with the positive ions in the air. In this ionic membrane interaction, the charged ions that are heavier will fall due to their weight. As a result of this ionic membrane function, the air purifiers can give you clean air.

Ozone generators

Ozone generators or ozonators split oxygen molecules in the air into a single atom. The resulting single atom then merges with other oxygen molecules thereby forming ozone.

UV air purifier

An air purifier with UV light will damage the DNA of viruses and bacteria. Safer and cleaner air is yours with an air purifier using UV radiation. This is also an excellent choice to keep mold spores away.

Wondering which is the best air purifier and dehumidifier all in one?

Tenergy Sorbi 1000 ml Air Dehumidifier

Removing excess moisture from the indoor air and still keeping it clean from dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, musty smells, is possible with the Tenergy Sorbi Air purifier and Dehumidifier combo. If you’re wondering which is better in the battle air purifier vs dehumidifier, you can consider choices like this unit to remove moisture and keep your environment dry.

Moist air is turned to dry air by this unit. It can remove 750 ml water per day and is a portable dehumidifier, making it easy for you to put it to use where needed. Passing air over cool surface coils and removing moisture is done seamlessly. The collected water is stored in the 1-liter water tank.

Along with humidity levels maintained in the indoor air, you also get improved air quality with the HEPA filter. Other features like LED indicator, touch panel, simple design, water level indicator, 2-year warranty, etc., make this air purifier and dehumidifier combo the best choice for a home.

FAQ Section

1. Does air purifier work for coronavirus?

Getting the cleanest air is possible only with an air purifier. Although we now know that between air purifier vs dehumidifier, an air purifier is a better choice for air that is clean and free from mold spores and allergy sufferers benefit from it, air purifier or dehumidifier cannot offer protection against coronavirus.

One CAN NOT expect protection against COVID -19 in their indoor air by using air purifiers.

2. Is a dehumidifier or air purifier better for asthma?

Allergy sufferers and asthma patients will benefit from both air purifiers and dehumidifiers. Keeping the indoor air clean does not make the environment safe. Mold spores and other allergens will continue to proliferate if the room’s humidity levels are not continually monitored. Hence a dehumidifier that runs the humid air over the refrigerated coil to completely remove the humidity from the area is essential.

Water vapor, cool mist, be it any outlet from the unit, they all can be free from mold spores, airborne allergens, with the help of a dehumidifier. Air conditioners, an ionic pump, heat exhaust, air purifiers, no matter which device you; having a dehumidifier at home to keep the humidity levels under check will be the best choice for those with asthma. Be it a desiccant model or a traditional design with a Peltier heat pump.

3. Does dehumidifier get rid of smells?

Yes. A dehumidifier can help you keep your home smelling fresh and free from musty odor. When the humidity levels are maintained and the dampness from the area is removed, the musty smell that arises from mold spores, fungi, water vapor logged walls and furniture will leave the area.

4. Do air purifiers increase oxygen?

There is no evidence to prove that air purifiers increase the oxygen levels in the room. However, it is said that some air purifiers do take up oxygen, but they do not reduce the oxygen levels by which you should be alarmed.

Humidifiers on the other hand are known to increase the oxygen levels in a room. This will help to reduce fatigue, headaches, and improve sleep. Increasing indoor air oxygen levels can be brought up in a number of ways. For example by making healthy air circulation of indoor air possible, having good plants that improve the quality of indoor air, etc.

5. How can you tell if you have mold in your lungs?

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is the term used for an allergic reaction that arises from mold infecting the lungs. You can identify this with certain symptoms and get it diagnosed medically. The symptoms can vary for each person but they primarily include; wheezing, coughing, fever, headaches, chest pain, and difficult breathing.

Wrapping Up

With this, we have reached the end of the article. We trust you are clear on which is a better choice in Air purifier vs dehumidifier. Based on your requirements and priorities, you can invest in air purifiers or dehumidifiers. Share with us your experiences on using an air purifier to maintain the quality of indoor air and with a dehumidifier that helps keep the home’s air dry and moist-free.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

How to remove mold from bathroom ceiling

How to remove mold from bathroom ceiling?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 The blog post discusses the problem of mold growth in the bathroom ceiling and provides expert tips on how to remove mold from the bathroom ceiling.

🚀 It explains that mold removal is a difficult process and can take time and effort to remove mold and prevent it from regrowing.

🚀 A combination of humid climate, poor air circulation, and warm temperature encourages mold growth.

Mold spores and mold growth are the most difficult part of maintaining a home. It demands attention and elbow grease. Be it bathroom mold, ceiling mold, or surface mold; mold spores and mold cause havoc to your home and health. It takes time and effort to remove mold and remove mold stains from the bathroom ceilings, bathroom walls, surfaces, floors, furniture, and other places that have mold growing in them.

In this article, we will discuss at length how to remove mold from the bathroom ceiling, how to prevent mold and mold spores, kill mold, maintain moldy areas, the best mold removal products, black mold spores, and mold problems, and more. Let us get started to learn how to remove mold from the bathroom ceiling.

What is easiest way to get rid of mold on a bathroom ceiling?

Mold removal is a difficult process. You must understand that killing mold growth, whether it is bathroom ceiling mold growth, bathroom mold, mold on grout lines, mold on walls, furniture, etc. To clean mold and prevent mold takes time and effort. Removing mold can take up to days or even weeks based on the extent of mold problems, the damage caused in the moldy area, and the mold stains.

To clean mold thoroughly you must put in ways to prevent mold from regrowing. A combination of humid climate, poor air circulation, and warm temperature is going to encourage mold and mold spores. You must remember that killing mold does not get solved overnight.

To get rid of mold completely, you must use the right cleaning product or cleaning agent, find the root cause of high humidity levels in your bathroom and excess moisture, invest in excess moisture absorbing dehumidifiers or materials that are suitable for the square feet of the area, prevent spores from proliferating and continue the life cycle, get rid of old clothes, damp towels, affected porous surfaces and porous material, fix plumbing leaks, etc.

Here we have step-by-step instructions that will ensure that mold is removed completely from the affected area; be it bathroom ceiling or bathroom walls. You can kill mold of all types with this removal process.

1. Spray bottle

As the first step, purchase a spray bottle that has an adjustable nozzle. If the entire wall or entire ceiling is affected by mold, you can use a garden sprayer to remove mold from the bathroom ceiling and wall. This will help if the size of the affected area and the square feet to be covered is large.

2. Spraying on mold

Undiluted white vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent when it comes to mold removal. It is one of the best natural mold removal products that has been trusted for years. Fill the spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Now spray directly on the affected area.

Remember moldy areas alone are not the ones that require help with cleaning mold. If one area is affected, you must pay attention to the entire wall or entire ceiling. To prevent spores, prevent mold growth from infecting the rest of the bathroom ceiling or bathroom walls, spray directly on all the exposed areas. When it comes to cleaning mold, you cannot differentiate between porous surfaces and nonporous surfaces. All types of surfaces require to be treated with a strong cleaning solution to kill mold, including the grout lines.

Cover the moldy area plus either area of the bathroom ceiling and bathroom walls that have mold growing on them with the white vinegar cleaning solution. Allow this white vinegar cleaning solution to sit undisturbed for a minimum of one hour. You can rinse and use a gentle scrub brush if needed and repeat the process again for cleaning bathroom ceiling mold. You can be assured that this natural vinegar cleaning product is perfect for cleaning mold and you will notice that the mold stains begin to disappear.

3. Warm water rinse

For the next step in the mold removal process, you have to rinse the vinegar cleaning solution that was allowed to rest. You can use warm water from a showerhead or simply fill another spray bottle with warm water and rinse off the area.

4. Brush

As for the last step in cleaning mold removal, you can use a gentle scrub brush to remove mold stains from any difficult moldy area. If you are concerned to remove mold from the bathroom ceiling that is textured, you can always use mold removal products that are gentle. You can simply blot the surface to clean mold gently without damaging the textured areas.

Allow the area to dry completely. You can turn on a bathroom exhaust fan, bathroom fan, leave the bathroom door open for air circulation, or use a leaf blower to dry the area.

Why does mold grow on my bathroom ceiling?

Bathroom mold is one of the most common problems that most people face on a daily basis. Keeping the home safe from bathroom mold takes some elbow grease. You may notice black mold growing on the bathroom ceilings or walls within a few weeks after a thorough mold removal process when you fail to take appropriate preventive measures consistently.

Apart from knowing how to remove mold from the bathroom ceiling, we must also look into why does mold grows on the bathroom ceiling. This is because bathroom mold finds these places the perfect environment for life. Black mold, airborne spores, and even dust mites find the humidity levels and warmth that a bathroom offers perfect. The root cause to have the problem solved is not with using the best cleaner or the perfect step-by-step instructions; the root cause of the humid climate in bathrooms must be treated to get rid of mold completely.

Mold, mold airborne spores, and mildew find the many areas in a bathroom perfect to grow in. Bathroom walls, bathroom door, bathroom ceiling, paint, trim, drywall, fixtures, etc., are all areas that can have mold growing in them. Damp towels, wet shower stalls, are also high moist places like any place with air conditioning. To successfully prevent spores and bathroom mold from spreading, you must look into fixing the humidity. You can get an efficient dehumidifier that can help with removing mold and even the leftover moisture from the area.

This is Important: How To Prevent Bathroom Mold

Ensuring mold removal and the mold removal products are effective depends on taking some preventive measures and being consistent with them. Remember that leftover moisture after using the shower is the main source of molds. Taking care of moisture can be done by running the exhaust fan for 30 minutes after using the shower.

Do not let the old clothes, damp clothes, or towels hang in the shower or bathroom. Take them to the laundry rooms. You must keep an eye for mold growth in the laundry rooms as well since they can travel back into the house via the clothes.

Squeegee shower walls every day. It is true it takes time and effort, but remember to squeegee shower walls to eliminate the water content accumulating in the shower.

Using natural cleaning solutions is environmentally friendly and also prevents damage to the material. Any cleaner with harmful chemicals is harsh on the wall or ceiling. You can use a DIY cleaner to clean mold or disinfect your bathroom on a weekly basis. Mix two parts baking soda with one part white vinegar and one part water. Baking soda is a natural cleaner, gentle yet effective (unlike the harmful chemicals). Mixing two parts of baking soda with vinegar gives you the combined action of vinegar and baking soda, thereby making it easier to clean mold.

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent product when it comes to cleaning mold. Many swear by the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide when it comes to mold removal products. Using hydrogen peroxide is pretty much the same as using white vinegar. You can trust hydrogen peroxide to remove black mold that grows in all the hard-to-reach moldy areas in the bathroom. Using hydrogen peroxide on a regular basis will help you to get rid of the mold problem completely since hydrogen peroxide addresses the problem at the root.

FAQ Section

1. Does bleach kill mold on bathroom ceiling?

Yes. Bleach is also one of the most recommended mold removers when it comes to cleaning mold. For ceiling mold, bathroom mold, black mold, and to bid goodbye to mold from the bathroom at any spot, it is recommended that you use bleach.

Bleach is also a great agent to keep bacteria apart from killing mold. If you want to ensure bathroom mold does not return as often, you can invest in bleach as one of the simplest mold removal products for effective action to kill mold and disinfect the area.

2. How to Remove Mold from Bathroom Walls?

As aforementioned, cleaning mold with readily available mold removal products is possible. All you need is a spray bottle of a suitable size and any of the following products that can clean mold and kill mold thoroughly; borax, vinegar, bleaching powder, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.

Each of these products is efficient to clean mold from porous surfaces or porous material, nonporous surfaces, and even preventing spores from proliferating. Allowing the solution to sit on the area where mold is likely to grow or has already taken root and then rinsing off with warm water will help in killing mold.

You can always contact a certified professional for assistance if you suspect the problem needs intervention and get a free estimate.

3. What is the best mold remover product?

Concrobium Mold Control, RMR-86 Instant Mold, and Mildew Stain Remover Spray, Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover 16 Fl Oz. These are a few of the best-rated mold removal products available in the market.

4. Where a dehumidifier should be placed in a bathroom?

One of the best answers to the question of ‘how to remove mold from bathroom ceiling’ is paying attention to dehumidifiers.

Placing dehumidifiers in bathrooms is one of the best ways to ensure the moisture and humidity of the area are under control. To keep black mold, mildew, other allergens away and to kill mold growth completely; placing dehumidifiers at the right location is essential.

You can place the dehumidifier at a central position where it can cover the entire area; to act on ceiling mold and bathroom mold.

5. When should you use a bathroom exhaust fan?

Experts believe that the effect of using exhaust fans in bathrooms can be experienced when you turn the fan after every time you leave the water running, especially after a shower. Letting the fan run for 20 to 30 minutes after having used the shower is sufficient time to work on the moisture removal and dry the area.

Wrapping Up

That’s an end to the article on removing mold from the bathroom ceiling. We trust you found the information helpful. Share with us in the comments below your experience on black mold and mildew removal from the bathroom and the products you use to keep mold away.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

What humidity does mold grow

What humidity does mold grow?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 Mold thrives in areas with high humidity levels, specifically in areas with a relative humidity of 55% or higher.

🚀 Maintaining ideal indoor relative humidity levels is important to prevent mold growth.

🚀 Dehumidifiers can help manage high humidity levels by extracting moisture from the environment, keeping it dry and free from the growth of mold and mildew.

Relative humidity and mold growth are a balance that many homeowners struggle with. Maintaining the ideal relative humidity reaps several benefits, likewise, problems arise when the relative humidity level is not maintained.

Many still wonder at what humidity does mold grow, the causes and consequences of not maintaining the relative humidity in a space. In this article, we will discuss each of these factors in detail. Let’s get started!

How is Mold Formed?

how mold is formed

Mold growth is harmful to both us, humans, and to the property around us. The problems that arise from mold growth are plentiful. It must be a priority to focus on keeping our home and surrounding safe from mold growth and preventing mold growth at all costs. Some temperature and humidity levels might make it difficult to prevent mold growth, however, they can also be handled by maintaining the indoor humidity levels and the relative humidity levels at a constant.

Let us take a look at the reasons or conditions in which mold thrives:

Excess Moisture

A good moisture source and high humidity levels are all that mold requires. Mold spores and mold grows in dark and moist areas that have little to no moisture control. If your home or environment has constant moisture problems, you must concentrate on methods to remove moisture at once.

As long as moisture problems persist, you will also have a mold problem. Mold growing on damp wood, wet building materials, wooden floors and furniture, bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen, leaky roofs, etc., happens for one reason. All these are moist areas, dark, and the best places for indoor mold.

To kill mold growth completely is difficult but is possible. An indoor mold problem can be tackled with proper mold remediation. However, the first step is to find a permanent solution to the moisture problem. No matter which space, when mold spores come in contact with enough moisture to sustain them, that is all mold requires to have your home filled with hidden mold. All types of molds can thrive in excess moisture, black mold, yellow mold, etc. To prevent mold growth from all areas of your home, execute moisture control.

Excess humidity levels

Maintaining the ideal indoor relative humidity level is important for various reasons, one of the most important ones being to prevent mold growth. Preventing mold growth by having the relative humidity under control is possible.

Just like moisture, mold grows in high humidity areas. Humidity mold will thrive in any area that has a relative humidity RH of 55% or higher. The high indoor humidity level is another supportive factor of mold growth. When it comes to temperature and humidity, it has been found that mold can flourish effortlessly and part of its negative effects on its surroundings in an area that has a high humidity level for an adequate amount of time. If low humidity conditions do not visit the place and the relative humidity RH stays high, mold is going to thrive.

A smart way to kill mold is to have air flowing freely inside the room or home. Prevent condensation or identify condensation by noticing the windows and act upon maintaining the relative humidity level without delay. The simplest and most efficient way to maintain the temperature and humidity level in an area and prevent condensation is to invest in relative humidity monitors and dehumidifiers.

While relative humidity monitors will help to keep track of the relative humidity RH of the space, dehumidifiers will act upon moisture problems, removing moisture from the air, and maintaining the ideal absolute humidity level and ideal indoor relative humidity. Thereby, preventing humidity mold in the area with ease.

High temperatures

Mold growth takes place in an environment that has constant temperatures. If your home or room is maintained with consistent temperatures, you will find hidden mold growing. Rooms or homes that do not have a change in temperatures, whether by using air conditioners or heaters, it is going to be easier to find mold growth in them.

High-temperature areas are the best suitable for mold growth. Spaces like air ducts, appliances, leaky roofs or hot roof areas, cracking in ceiling tiles, clothes dryers, crawl space, indoor environment or indoor space exposed to heat apart from direct sunlight, duct work, etc. Although these places seem like the perfect environment to be called warm areas, they might still turn into the right temperature with the perfect environment for hidden mold.

Warm areas or high-temperature places that have a consistent temperature range of 70-degree Fahrenheit or more are the ideal range for mold to grow. Regulating the temperature of your indoor environment; in the basement, crawl space, roof, and all rooms by using a cooling system like air conditioning will help to solve the issue and effects of high temperature and mold growth.

Oxygen level

The problems that arise when we want to kill mold growing causing structural damage and health problems arise with cutting off the oxygen supply. Like all living organisms, molds require oxygen. The issue is molds can grow with minimal levels of oxygen and therefore it is a challenge to kill mold and mold spores without expert help.

Use a polymer sealant to reduce oxygenation on areas that you suspect will help mold grow.

Time

Just like mold remediation takes time, so does growing mold. Different types of molds grow at different paces, however for mold spores to begin proliferating it takes time. For mold to grow successfully the temperature and humidity must remain stable and unchanged.

Available food source

For mold to grow and spread its mold spores, there must be a viable food source available at all times. Damp roof and ceiling tiles, wet building materials, wood flooring with standing water, wall cavities, cabinets with enough moisture, appliances like clothes dryers, exhaust fans, air conditioners, air ducts, or devices with duct work, basement and crawl space, etc.

A home affected with mold and moisture problems is at the risk of structural damage and losing its structural integrity. It is important to remove mold with all its effects to bid adieu to the issue completely.

How do you know if mold is making you sick?

feeling sick with mold

The mold problem comes with adverse side effects for both you and your home.

Hidden mold can lead to several health problems that can be identified with symptoms. Frequent asthma attacks, allergies, difficulty breathing, headaches, wheezing, skin irritation, etc., are a few of the many health problems that come when mold grows. If you or your family members have pre-existing health diseases, it is important to discourage pests of all kinds and kill mold growth, black mold, and mold spores. Take measures to permanently remove the mold problem.

The structural integrity of a home is compromised when it is filled with mold and mold spores. Structural damage can take place when there are enough moisture problems and condensation in the house, standing water, excess cold surfaces, and water vapor, mold growing in wall cavities, poor air quality in the indoor space, moisture in building materials, lack of direct sunlight, standing water in crawl space, unable to identify the moisture source, high humidity in the basement area, excess moisture in the air, etc.

Each of these problems will lead to poor structural integrity. Act swiftly to remove moisture using dehumidifiers and get rid of the moisture problem. This will diminish the mold, mold spores, dust mites, and also discourage pests of all kinds.

Removing the moisture problems will be a good start to leaving behind difficulty breathing, allergies, and other symptoms from dust mites, mold, and mold spores.

How Humidity Impacts on Mold Formation?

  • When the relative humidity level is above 55% it leads to mold growth. Dehumidifiers can be used to monitor and maintain the relative humidity levels at the desired point.
  • Higher humidity levels lead to water vapor condensation. Water vapor barriers can be used to resolve this.
  • High relative humidity levels alter the comfortable temperature range. Fungi can thrive in humid temperatures.

Learn How to Prevent Mold From Experts

The key to removing mold from the home is to prevent mold growth. Take steps to stop the mold problem from growing or escalating. Here are a few of the measures that experts advice to prevent mold growth and to get rid of all types of molds.

Keep a track of the humidity that exists in your home. Add humidity control to your priorities and maintain indoor relative humidity seamlessly. Invest in humidity monitors that make indoor humidity maintenance easier. Dehumidifier, thermometer, hygrometer, are devices that will help to identify high humidity or low humidity and maintain the indoor environment accordingly. Keeping your indoor space free from low humidity and high humidity issues, dust mites, molds, etc., starts with humidity control.

Do not procrastinate fixing leaks. Any leak in air ducts, wet building materials, stagnant water, air conditioner leaks, cracks in windows and doors, etc., must be fixed at the earliest. We often fail to look at small leaks through the walls that can happen with air conditioners. If you suspect an issue with the air conditioning in your home and the air conditioner has to be looked at, do it without delay.

Ventilate the area adequately. When there is air flowing freely, it not just acts as a natural cooling system but also ensures there is enough moisture and is not in excess, and removes chances of condensation. Free air movement and not relying on air conditioning, minimizes the growth of molds.

A well-ventilated place is not the ideal food source. Lack of moist or warm areas will discourage pests and other moisture problems.

Can you clean up mold yourself?

Trying to remove molds by yourself can go either way. You might either get it done right or make the problems worse. Getting professional help with mold remediation is advised since they will do thorough work on molds growing in spots you may miss out. The ducts and pipelines within air conditioners and clothes dryers, crawl space, any cold surface that seems suspicious, etc.

Some types of molds are dangerous and must be dealt with caution. Removing the moisture problem at the root can be done by professionals alone. They might suggest you invest in a hygrometer and dehumidifier to ensure the problems from molds don’t recur.

FAQ Section

1. At What Temperature Does Mold Die?

Most types of molds are sensitive to heat and will die at high heat temperatures. A temperature of 140-160°F (60-71°C) is found effective to destroy mold. There are high-temperature treatments that can kill molds at these temperatures. Nevertheless, it has also been found that some varieties of mold generate spores that are resistant to high-temperature treatments too. This can be the reason why you find mold growing on pickled vegetable products despite the temperatures they are at.

2. Is there a mold detector?

Yes, the basement spaces have much more moisture, mold, foul odor, and pests than rooms upstairs. It consists of vents that let humid air in and water seepage sources that raise humidity levels. Go for the best basement dehumidifier or dehumidifier for the whole house to eliminate excess moisture.

3. At what dew point does mold grow?

A dew point temperature that is higher than the cold surface in your basement is a potential signal that mold can be growing in your home. Cold surfaces in basements and a high dew point temperature point out to mold growth. Relative humidity of 70 to 80%, a damp environment and high dew point temperature, condensation on windows, are confirmed signs of mold.

4. Will using a dehumidifier get rid of mold?

Yes. Dehumidifiers will effectively maintain the relative humidity level. When the humidity levels of the home are dealt with and moisture removed, you will prevent mold and its issues and effects almost completely. Getting relative humidity monitors and dehumidifiers is a good start against mold.

5. Can mold destroy a house?

Yes. Mold can jeopardize the structural integrity of your home.

6. Can you just paint over mold?

Yes, you can use mold-resistant paint to cover the damage mold has caused, like the darkened patches. But painting over mold DOES NOT KILL mold or resolve the problem. You must remove the growth completely.

7. Is it safe to clean black mold yourself?

You can clean black mold using the right precautions and products. Contact a professional at the first sign of an allergic reaction.

8. What kind of vinegar kills mold?

Regular white distilled vinegar is an effective choice.

Wrapping Up

With this, we have reached the end of the particle. We trust we have a clear idea of the hazards of high relative humidity and mold growth. Share with us your experiences on mold removal and how you protect your home from it.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

How does a commercial dehumidifier work

How does a commercial dehumidifier work?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 Commercial dehumidifiers come in large pint sizes, with their pint size being sufficient to remove moisture at the rate of 150 to 250 pints per day.

🚀 The moist air passes over the cold coils within the unit, and a fan ensures the air passes the cooling coils that help in carrying out condensation.

🚀 A commercial dehumidifier is the ideal choice to exert humidity control for a large space, such as a large basement, construction areas, gymnasiums, and pools.

Maintaining the ideal relative humidity level in a home or any space is a challenge. Luckily, nowadays to extract moisture we have dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers work in a specific manner to extract moisture from the environment and send back dry air into the area. More moisture in the air comes with several disadvantages. Humidity control for a large basement or commercial spaces is taken care of with commercial dehumidifiers.

Commercial dehumidifiers or industrial dehumidifiers are excellent inventions that keep large indoor spaces free from excess humidity and excess moisture. The moisture in the air is absorbed effectively by the unit to give a space that is dry and has the perfect relative humidity level.

What is a Commercial Dehumidifier?

Aprilaire-1870-angle1

A commercial or industrial dehumidifier is the ideal choice to exert humidity control for a large space. Large basement, construction areas, gymnasiums, pools, etc., will benefit from commercial dehumidifiers. They are designed to tackle excess moisture in the air and maintain the relative humidity levels in a large space. They remove moisture from the moist air in the environment and help with the humidity control process effortlessly.

Commercial dehumidifiers come in large pint sizes. Their pint size is sufficient to remove moisture at the rate of 150 to 250 pints per day. To get improved air quality, comfortable temperature and deep drying of furniture, walls, sensitive materials, to prevent condensation and keep mold and other allergenic organisms away from the air of a large space, commercial dehumidifiers are the best choices.

How Does A Commercial Dehumidifier Work?

The basic principle of how does a commercial dehumidifier work to keep the humidity and temperature of space under check and how much water a commercial dehumidifier can remove from the air is very similar to other residential dehumidifiers.

Following the basic principle of condensation, the commercial dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the room. The moist air passes over the cold coils within the unit. Like air conditioners and other purifiers, a fan ensures the air passes the cooling coils that help in carrying out condensation.

The air cools and is made moisture-free, after which the heat recovery system of the dehumidifier will warm the air again before it sends it out into the room. The advantage of the process and using commercial dehumidifiers to handle relative humidity and bring about humidity control across any large space or room can be seen with how successfully a commercial dehumidifier works.

Commercial dehumidifiers are made with high heavy-duty plastic and every essential part of how commercial dehumidifiers work ensures the air quality is enhanced, air cooling takes place and the excess humidity of the space is improved and the temperature cooling can be experienced. A commercial dehumidifier is designed to withstand rough temperature environments and carry out deep drying of any large space like a large basement, construction sites, sensitive material around the home, etc. Similar to residential dehumidifiers, a commercial dehumidifier also helps to keep mold and other allergenic organisms away, along with excess humidity. Any space with more water and moist air ruining the air quality can be handled effectively with a commercial dehumidifier.

How do you use a commercial dehumidifier?

Apart from learning how does a commercial dehumidifier work, it is also important to understand how to put a commercial dehumidifier to efficient use.

Space

The area that the dehumidifier is expected to carry out humidity control is important to estimate the size of the dehumidifier to be purchased. Be it a commercial dehumidifier or a residential dehumidifier, the rule is the same. How large the area is and where there is more water content to be removed will determine where to place the dehumidifier.

Humidity Levels

For a residential dehumidifier or a commercial dehumidifier to maintain the ideal relative humidity level in any room, it is first required to study the existing humidity conditions of the room. High humidity environments, like an area exposed to water damage, will have more liquid water content. How much water is required to be removed from the area (whether due to water damage or humid temperature conditions and or from overheating), will determine the unit size. Using the right size unit will ensure the humidity level of the area is maintained with ease.

Some dehumidifier models are not equipped to work in low temperatures. Although commercial dehumidifiers come made in heavy-duty plastic and can handle the heat and high humid climates, not all models can handle extremes of temperature. The fan, compressor, and other internal parts of the commercial dehumidifier might get damaged when not used in the right temperature environments.

How Does a Desiccant Commercial Dehumidifier Work?

Ecor Pro Dehumidifier

Did you know that Desiccant commercial dehumidifiers are also known as Chemical Absorbent Dehumidifiers? These kinds of desiccant dehumidifiers are a popular choice to maintain high humidity levels in areas with cold climates. It has been noticed that these desiccant dehumidifiers work better in places with low humidity levels and can use dry air.

A desiccant dehumidifier works using hydrophilic materials, like the Silica gel wheel. They do not have condensers or a cold coil where the moist air passes over to remove the excess moisture from the air. Rather than a condenser or cold coil which carries out condensation to remove moisture from the air, these desiccant commercial or industrial dehumidifier has the silica gel wheel or rotating wheel.

This is going to help in removing water damage from construction sites or excess moisture from the air, excess humidity levels in pool areas, etc. Let’s take a look at how this dehumidifier works to remove moisture.

Inside the desiccant commercial or industrial dehumidifier, the moist air passes over the rotating wheel or silica gel wheel, a very essential part to carry out the process. This silica gel is going to absorb moisture from the air that has been drawn into the unit with the help of the fan within. The unit will have a heat recovery system that is responsible to heat the air coming out of the wheel (known as reactivation air). This heating continues, by the reactivation air going back to the wheel which removes moisture from it completely. This dry air is now sent out into the space, which is free from moisture and allergenic organisms like mold and mold spores, bacteria, mildew, dust mites, etc.

An added advantage of a desiccant commercial or industrial dehumidifier is the manner in which this commercial dehumidifier works. Since these commercial dehumidifiers do not have a compressor in them they are ultra-quiet. The lack of compressor low noise levels, like air conditioners, makes this type of commercial dehumidifier an ideal choice for offices. You can also find desiccant commercial dehumidifiers work in construction sites, pool areas, and even some homes to remove water damage.

How do you drain an industrial dehumidifier?

Draining water from an industrial dehumidifier or commercial dehumidifier is simple. If the commercial dehumidifier has a pump present along with the unit, the moist air that has been converted to dry air will get back into the room and the water extracted from the moist air will drain down through the hose that is connected to the hose or sink or any outlet. Moisture removed from the air is sent out the unit by continuous drain method or manual drainage.

If the commercial dehumidifiers do not have a gravity drain pump system, they will have a water bucket or reservoir to collect the water from condensation. The collection tank will have an indicator in most industrial dehumidifiers to notify that it is full. The tank can then be emptied out to drain the water.

FAQ Section

1. Are commercial dehumidifiers safe?

Yes. Commercial dehumidifiers or industrial dehumidifiers, and even residential dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers are safe to use. They have been found highly efficient in humidity management. The way in which a residential dehumidifier or commercial dehumidifier works can guarantee that your home stays safe from mold and other allergens.

2. How long does it take for an industrial dehumidifier to work?

Based on the amount of moisture to be removed from the area, a commercial dehumidifier might take anywhere from 24 hours to 4 days to give a thorough drying process and moisture removal.

3. How do you set up a commercial dehumidifier?

Setting up a commercial dehumidifier or residential dehumidifier is simple. The manual will contain all the instructions on setting up the dehumidifier and tuning it on. The control panel in the dehumidifier can be used to turn On the device and set the ideal humidity and moisture removal required.

4. How do you purge a dehumidifier?

Pressing the ‘Purge’ key on the dehumidifier before moving the dehumidifier will purge the pump completely. Although the pump will close automatically 40 seconds after the continuous operation and the pump purges when the reservoir is full, the Purge key is present to guarantee complete emptying of the dehumidifier.

5. How do you clean a commercial dehumidifier?

Cleaning a commercial dehumidifier is quite similar to cleaning a residential dehumidifier. Using soapy water to clean the filter, tank, and outer body of the dehumidifier can be done. You can use a vacuum cleaner to dry the dehumidifier thoroughly.

Wrapping Up

With this, we have reached the end of the article. We trust you have a clear understanding of how does a commercial dehumidifier work and its uses. Share with us your experiences of using a commercial dehumidifier and which commercial dehumidifiers were most effective.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

Do air purifiers help with smell

Do air purifiers help with smell?

Air purifiers have become quite common among households across the country because of the poor indoor air quality. Air purifiers are known to filter out pollutants found in the air to provide clean and fresh air for you and your family.

While enjoying toxic-free air is a huge benefit, it is also worth considering whether air purifiers can help with a foul odor. While investing in a new air purifier, it is good to have an air purifier that cleans the air and helps with your household smells. It can keep our indoor air fresh and odor-free.

There are several different air purifiers in the market, and not all of them can eliminate foul odor. There are some factors to be considered when determining if an air purifier can reduce bad odors in your household. If you are curious about how effectively an air purifier can help with smells in your home, read on to find out more.

Which types of odors do air purifiers help with?

Air purifiers remove pollutants and particles in the air to improve indoor air quality. In most cases, unpleasant smells are caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some air purifiers can filter these smells out to reduce foul odor. These VOCs are usually smaller than other pollutants found in the air. This makes it a lot more complicated for your air purifier to eliminate a bad smell.

Smells are caused by chemical reactions and are detected by your nose. While the fresh scent of flowers is a welcoming fragrance, we are often subjected to unwanted or unpleasant smells. Good air purifiers can help reduce the unwanted smells in your house by filtering out the tiny particles that cause the smell. Common unwanted odors found in households are listed below.

Cigarette smoke to remove unpleasant odors

cigarette smell

Cigarette smoke is the most pervasive and one of the more difficult smells to eliminate. Even if a single member of your family is a smoker, the smell can cling to furniture and clothes. The odor of tobacco smoke can cause your house to smell stale and impact the health of non-smokers in your household. 

Pet dander

pet hair

Pets are usually a source of pet odors. Whether it’s dried saliva or excrement, pet hair and dander, or shedding skin, pets can cause a lot of unpleasant odors in your house. 

Cooking

smell of food

Cooking usually produces lovely aromas and scents that are tempting and cause your mouth to water. Occasionally, however, particularly meaty dishes like fried fish can leave a lingering smell that stays in your household even after the meal has been enjoyed. 

Garbage removal to clean indoor air

garbage smell

Garbage is perhaps the most pungent and unpleasant smell you can find in a household. Even if you have a fixed cleaning schedule and take out your trash frequently, leftover garbage can smell terrible and ruin the atmosphere in your house. Air purifiers will help with this problem and allow you to discreetly keep the garbage in your household without alerting your household members to its presence. 

Air purifiers can also help with toxic and harmful smells such as smoke or musty odors from mold. We may not have an alternative to getting rid of the source of a smell because it can often be difficult, especially if the smell is an essential part of a functioning household. While an air purifier cannot eliminate the source of foul odors in your house, it can help reduce the odor in your home. 

How do air purifiers eliminate odors?

Air purifiers typically work by trapping harmful particles in the air with a filter. Sometimes the particles that cause unpleasant smells are smaller than the particles of other contaminants.

Air purifiers that remove odor usually have an additional activated carbon filter to compensate for this. Activated carbon filters have an enormous surface area with millions of open pores. As air passes through the filter, particles get stuck in the filter. The air that flows out of the filter is free from the VOCs that cause unpleasant smells. 

Filter technology is constantly improving. Not every air purifier can successfully eliminate odors. The ability of your air purifying unit to reduce odor depends on whether the filter can trap smaller-sized particles that cause a smell. The most common filter in odor removing purifiers is an activated carbon filter. It is how air purifiers can reduce, if not eliminate, odors.

Which air purifier is best for odor?

The best air purifier that can eliminate common odors is one that has an activated carbon filter. A True HEPA air filter is not very good at removing odors on its own. Any purifier containing an additional activated carbon filter will trap smaller-sized VOCs that cause bad smells.

One example of a good air purifier in this category is GermGuardian’s 5 in 1 Air Purifier, which has an activated charcoal filter.

Another technology that provides a long-term solution for bad odor is air purifiers that use photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO). The benefit from this is that VOCs are completely destroyed and not simply trapped in a filter. Any air purifier that uses the technologies mentioned above is the best for removing odor from your household.

6 Tips on How to keep your house smelling good all the time?

Tip 1:

The first tip to keeping your house smelling good all the time is to keep it clean. There is no replacement for good hygiene. Clean up all the surfaces of your home, paying particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms.

Tip 2:

Clean up after your pets, if you have any. Pets with or without fur can cause a foul odor. They must be well-groomed, and pet dander must be cleared, so they don’t linger in the air.

Tip 3:

Wet surfaces typically cause mold growth, which can cause a bad odor. It is essential to keep kitchen sinks clear of dirty dishes. Therefore, don’t leave your dirty dishes in the sink. Also, throw garbage out regularly. Do not let garbage pile up over time. Even dry garbage can produce foul odors if ignored for too long.

Tip 4:

Introduce plants into your home. There are quite a few plants that can suck the bad smell out and leave freshness behind.

Tip 5:

Keep your home well-ventilated. It is helpful to air out the rooms periodically to let the outside air in.

Tip 6:

Do not smoke. And, if anyone in the family is a smoker, make sure they don’t smoke inside the house.

These practices will not only help remove the odor naturally, but they will also help prolong the life of your air purifier. Air purifiers need their filters replaced periodically. Maintaining a clean house can increase the life of your filters, so they don’t need replacement as often. 

Installing an air purifier is the best way to keep your household smelling good. When installing your air purifier, make sure it has an activated carbon filter.

Not all air purifiers eliminate odor. You want to ensure that the air purifier you get has that capability. Currently, the most common type of air purifier that can eliminate odor in your household is one that has an activated carbon filter. 

You can compare your air purifier’s clean air delivery rate to make sure it is powerful and efficient enough for the size of your room. If your unit is insufficient to tackle the size of your room, you will still have lingering smells. An air purifier’s CADR rating best indicates how well it will perform in your specific environment.

Over time, your air purifier becomes less effective at removing odor in your household. Make sure to check on your filters and replace them when needed. If you are using your air purifier regularly, you may need to replace your filters every three months.

On the other hand, if you are not using the system as often, you can replace its filter every six months. Without cleaning your air purifier frequently, it won’t be able to trap odors consistently. 

Air purifiers need to be on and running all the time. Make sure you position your air purifier in a place where it will not be disturbed. Harmful pollutants and bad smells are pervasive problems that recur.

It would help if you left your air purifier plugged in and turned on at all times to ensure that fresh air is consistently circulated throughout your household.

Air purifiers tend to work best in one room. If you have multiple rooms that require odor removal, it is best to get multiple air purifiers.

Alternatively, you can purchase an air purifier with a higher CADR rating that can handle the size of your household. Your air purifier’s efficient placement and capacity will help keep your house odor-free.

These are the six common tips on how to use an air purifier to keep your house smelling good all the time.

FAQ Section

1. Do HEPA filters remove odors?

HEPA filters usually help with dust, dirt, pollen, and other harmful contaminants. On their own, they are not very effective at removing odors. Air purifiers that come with an additional activated carbon filter effectively eliminate bad smells.

2. Do air purifiers get rid of skunk smell?

Air purifiers work by removing particles from the air. If the skunk has sprayed its scent in the air, then air purifiers can help reduce it. You will have to ensure that the source of the smell is gone first and open up all the windows in your house.

Opening the windows will lower particle density and make it easier for your air purifier to do its job. It may take a while to eliminate a strong smell, such as skunk smells, but air purifiers can help reduce the smell from lingering too long.

3. What Happens When You Inhale Black Mold Spores?

Inhaling black mold spores can lead to respiratory problems. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and fatigue are all symptoms of black mold exposure.

Sensitive people can develop allergies, rashes, and severe breathing difficulties. Symptoms can present themselves two to nine hours after exposure and persist for up to three days. The best air purifiers can help with black mold poisoning and keep your indoor air fresh and clean.

4. Do air purifiers get rid of food smells?

Yes, air purifiers help get rid of food smells. Bad smells are caused by VOCs that are created in the process of cooking. Air purifiers with an activated carbon filter can trap these VOCs to eliminate food smells in your household.

Conclusion

Most air purifiers used in households provide good quality indoor air. They work by getting rid of harmful particles in the air by trapping them in their filters. In addition to eliminating toxic contaminants, air purifiers remove odors. Not every air purifier may be equipped for odor removal. Particles that cause bad odors are usually much smaller in size than other contaminants. It is essential to pick an air purifier that can work across the spectrum of particle sizes to trap every unwanted particle in the air.

If you are considering an air purifier that can trap contaminants and remove odors, the information in this article should help. Indoor air purifiers can be an excellent solution to improving health and consistently keep your home smelling good. 

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

What is a good cadr rating for air purifier

What is a good cadr rating for air purifier?

Several households across the country use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers filter out contaminants found in the air to provide clean and breathable air for you and your family.

Air purifiers come in various models and use different technologies to work efficiently.

There are several considerations to keep in mind while purchasing a new purifier for your household. You want to ensure that your purifier can handle the multiple different pollutants in your environment.

You also must ensure that the purifier you get works efficiently in your household and fits the size of your rooms. Indoor air quality is quickly becoming essential to maintaining good health in modern times, and as such, purchasing an air purifier that can work in your environment is vital.

There are several air purifiers in the market that claim to deliver the best results, which makes it harder to pick the right air purifier for your household. One way you can be sure of the quality of your air purifier is by looking up its CADR rating.

This is a standardized rating system provided by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). The CADR rating of an air purifier will give you a clear indication of how well the air purifier works and whether it will be effective for your household.

An independent body provides this rating with lab-tested results. Not all air purifiers on the market will have a CADR rating, but keeping this metric in mind is worthwhile.

Knowing an air purifier’s CADR rating is currently the best indication of how well an air purifier will perform in your household. 

The CADR rating system was first developed as far back as the eighties. In the past, the benchmark for air purifiers was the maximum airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute. While this gives an indication of how much air an air purifier can move, it doesn’t mention how effective a purifier is.

The CADR rating was designed to measure how effective an air purifier is at removing common pollutants such as dust, pollen, and smoke.

Tests are conducted for various sized particles under each category to provide a CADR number for each type of contaminant.

The average of these individual results provides the overall CADR rating for your air purifier. The advantage of this is you will know whether an air purifier is better at removing a certain type of pollutant.

For example, if your household has more dust than smoke, you can look for an air purifier with a higher dust CADR number even if the smoke CADR number is lower.

Comparing CADR numbers is the best metric to find an air purifier that works for your specific air cleaning needs. It is also helpful while determining an efficient air purifier for the size of your household. 

What does the acronym CADR stand for?

Clean air delivery rate.

CADR stands for clean air delivery rate. A standardized rating measures an air purifier’s cleaning effectiveness for particles ranging from 0.1 to 11 microns in size. This rating system was developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).

It is an independently conducted rating that is industry standard and conducted in sealed lab testing chambers. It also makes it a reliable and essential metric while comparing different air purifiers in the market.

How important is CADR rating?

Understanding CADR of air purifier

A clean air delivery rate gives the best indication of how well your air purifier will perform. Since the ratings are conducted with industry-standard testing, you can use proven numbers to make your decision instead of mere claims.

Comparing CADR ratings of different air purifiers can enable you to choose the most effective and powerful unit for your household. This rating specifies how quickly an air purifier can remove contaminants like dust, pollen, and smoke from your environment.

Air purifier models that have a higher CADR rating will be able to clean space more quickly than purifiers with lower ratings. While high CADR ratings are good, you have to make sure you get an air purifier that can efficiently clean the space you have. 

Purchasing an air purifier with a higher CADR than you need can be counterproductive and cause wastage. Purchasing an air purifier that has a CADR rating of around two-thirds of your room’s area will guarantee you clean air that is provided effectively.

For instance, a room that measures 10 feet by 30 feet has an area of 300 square feet. Two-thirds of that is 200, meaning you need an air purifier with a clean air delivery rate of at least 200 for this specific room. 

One of the drawbacks of the CADR system is that it doesn’t measure effectiveness at removing odor or gasses. It also doesn’t measure the removal of viruses, bacteria, ozone, or volatile organic components.

The CADR system doesn’t offer a reliable comparison if removing these pollutants is a primary concern. Another drawback is that CADR is measured for new purifiers operating at the highest fan speed.

Over time, your air purifier’s filter will collect more particles and reduce its efficiency, hence lowering its CADR rating.

Similarly, if you run your purifier on lower fan speeds, you can expect the CADR rating of your air purifier to drop. 

Despite these limitations, the CADR ratings of an air purifier are a critical metric to consider while purchasing a new air purifier. It will help you determine a specific model’s efficiency, size, and usability and whether it will work in your unique environment.

How do you calculate CADR for air purifier?

CADR measures the three most common contaminants found in modern households: dust, pollen, and smoke. CADR provides an overall rating and individual ratings for these three categories. This also helps you pick an air purifier for specific cleaning needs.

 The CADR ratings are based on lab testing that measures the efficiency of an air purifier in cleaning contaminant particles of different sizes.

An air purifier is typically tested in a sealed lab room that measures 1008 cubic meters for 20 minutes. The pollutants in the air are measured at each stage of testing.

The CADR number is calculated as the air purifier’s removal rate minus the natural decay rate of the air particles multiplied by the test room’s volume(1008). The formula for this is 

CADR in cfm = [rate of purifier while on-natural decay] x 1008

This means the tests are based on how much air can flow through the air purifier, measured in cubic feet per minute(cfm). For more accurate results, the tests are also based on how many particles are removed from the air, discounting particles that naturally fall to the floor.

When you know the cfm for an air purifier, you can then calculate what sized rooms the purifier will perform well in. In most cases, it is recommended to get an air purifier with a CADR rating around two-thirds the size of your room.

What is the best CADR rating air purifier?

One of the best CADR rating air purifiers currently in the market is the Medify MA-50 Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Filter. It has the highest CADR rating of 500 cubic meter/hr , and includes a touch operation panel with 2-12 hour timer, 4 fan speeds, sleep mode, filter replacement indicator, and child lock, which is great for both kids and pets. This makes it one of the more efficient models with a high CADR rating and efficiently provides clean indoor air.

The other four top performing air purifiers with high CADR ratings are:

MOOKA Air Purifier for Large Rooms True HEPA Air Filter with 300 m³/h CADR.

LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Large Bedroom with CADR of 240 m³/h.

Germ Guardian 4 in 1 Air Purifier With True HEPA Filter: CADR: Smoke 235 dust 239 pollen 237

Coway Air Purifier: CADR: Dust 246 / Pollen 240 / Smoke 233 cb. ft.

FAQ Section

1. How do you convert CADR to cfm?

This depends on how your CADR rating is measured. You can convert cubic meters per hour into cubic feet per hour by multiplying the value by 35.3147. You can then divide the value of cubic feet per hour by 60 to get the value of cubic feet per minute(cfm).

 Another more straightforward calculation is multiplying the CADR rating in meters per hour by 0.588 to get the CADR in cubic feet per minute.

2. How do you calculate ACH from CADR?

Knowing the cfm will allow you to calculate air changes per hour(ACH). Multiplying cfm by 60 will give you the air moved per hour value. It will enable you to determine how long the air purifier will take to clean the air in your room.

Your ACH rating is then calculated by dividing the cubic feet of air moved per hour by the cubic feet volume of your room. For example, if your air purifier has a CADR rating of 200 cfm, multiplying by 60 will give you 12000 cubic feet per hour of air moved.

If your room measures 20 feet by 30 feet with walls that are 10 feet high, you should multiply the length by width by height to get the total volume.

In this case, your room measures 6000 cubic feet. Dividing air moved by room volume is 12000 by 6000, giving you 2 ACH. This lets you know that the air in your room will change twice per hour.

It may not be enough for this particular room as it is recommended to have a purifier of at least 4 ACH. This means that an air purifier of 400 cfm will better suit your needs.

3. What is a good CADR rating for smoke?

Smoke behaves differently from other contaminant particles. Smoke particles tend to be smaller and don’t have high natural decay rates.

Air purifiers come with different CADR ratings for each type of particle. A purifier that has a high dust CADR rating may not have a high smoke CADR rating.

CADR ratings on air purifiers are usually the averages of the ratings for dust, pollen, and smoke. To know what a good CADR rating for smoke for your household is, you should know the individual smoke CADR rating for the specific purifier you are considering.

As with other CADR ratings, you have to ensure that your smoke CADR rating is around two-thirds the size of your room. For example, if your room measures 600 hundred square feet, you need a purifier with a CADR smoke rating of 400, which is two-thirds of 600.

4. What is the CADR of Dyson air purifier?

Dyson air purifier

Dyson lists their CADR as 70, which is relatively low for an air purifier. The higher the clean air delivery rate, the more effective it is.

Comparatively, other high-end air purifiers perform better than Dyson air purifiers.

5. How long does it take an air purifier to clean the air in a room?

How long an air purifier takes to clean air in a room depends on two factors. How large the room is, and how effective the purifier is. Due to the variable factors, an air purifier can clean a small room in as little as half an hour and take a couple of hours or more for a large room.

To know precisely how long a specific air purifier will take to clean a room in your household, you can calculate the air changes per hour or ACH to know how many times the air in your room is cleaned per hour. Dividing 60 by your ACH rating will let you know how many minutes it takes for your air purifier to clean your room once.

Since contaminants are always present, your air purifier should be turned on all the time. Even though an efficient air purifier can clean the air in a room once in less than an hour, it is essential to leave it on so it can continue to clean the air that flows through your room. 

6. What do doctors say about air purifiers?

Poor indoor air quality leads to many health issues, especially in those suffering from asthma or pollen allergies. The longer air quality is left unchecked, the more chances of developing long-term respiratory problems.

This is especially true in the urban areas where air quality worsens due to pollution and other factors. Clean and high-quality indoor air can alleviate these problems and ensure long-lasting respiratory health.

As such, air purifiers are recommended by doctors for use in typical households. Clean air offers several health benefits that can’t be ignored.

7. Are air purifiers safe?

Air purifiers were thought to be unsafe due to a few problematic air purifier models. These models have given air purifiers a bad reputation due to the permanent damage they have caused to health. Not all air purifiers are dangerous.

Only air purifiers that release ozone as a byproduct are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Ozone can cause permanent damage to health with even the slightest exposure. As long as you don’t use an ozone-generating air purifier, they are safe and healthy to use.

Choosing a HEPA air purifier is guaranteed to improve your health. Doctors recommend getting an air purifier for your household as long as it doesn’t generate ozone.

Conclusion

Air quality is constantly getting worse, especially in urban environments. Air purifiers offer a solution by removing pollutants in the air to provide clean and fresh indoor air.

Using an air purifier with the required CADR in your home can benefit you and your family if you pick the right one. The air purifier market is saturated with several makes and models that rely on different technology and work differently.

As homeowners, it can be a little challenging to pick an air purifier model that is right for your household. Getting the wrong air purifier can be ineffective and, in the worst case, even cause more damage than benefits.

Luckily, air purifier manufacturers use a standardized rating system that can help you determine whether an air purifier is right for you. The CADR rating system can inform you about the effectiveness of your new air purifier. It shows proven and reliable results that determine how good an air purifier is at removing the most common types of contaminants found in the air.

In addition, you can choose a model that will work best for the size of your home by knowing its CADR rating. While not all air purifiers have a CADR rating, it is an important metric that shouldn’t be ignored.

This guide aims to discuss the merits of the CADR rating system and how it can be beneficial in determining whether an air purifier is right for your household.

Hopefully, you can use this knowledge to make a more confident and informed decision about purchasing a new air purifier.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

Are air purifiers safe for pets

Are air purifiers safe for pets?

Air purifiers work by removing pollutants and contaminants from the air to provide clean indoor air. It can be beneficial if you live in a household with pets. Furry pets shed hair, dander, and other airborne particles.

Additionally, dried saliva and other excrements can contain allergens that become airborne. These can cause health problems in humans if left unchecked. Air purifiers can remove these airborne contaminants caused by your pets. It makes it ideal to have an air purifier if you share your home with pets. 

Not only are air purifiers beneficial to human health, but they can benefit your pet as well. Pets can also suffer from respiratory illness and be affected by asthma and allergies.

While this is not as prominent as it is in humans, several pets can show symptoms of ill health. Signs like a raspy and dry cough, unexpected weight loss, or wheezing can indicate an underlying respiratory problem.

Getting an air purifier for your household will not only alleviate health problems in humans but can positively benefit your pets as well, especially if they suffer from respiratory problems. These airborne irritants can also affect your pet’s sleep cycle.

Airborne particles that trigger health problems in pets can disrupt their sleep and worsen conditions. Sleep is vital for a pet, with some pets sleeping up to fifteen hours a day. An air purifier will eliminate airborne particles that disrupt your pet’s sleep, making them happier and healthier.

Additionally, air purifiers remove toxic and harmful particles from the air that benefit both human and pet health. It makes getting an air purifier a worthwhile investment. 

Which types of air purifiers are safe for pets?

dog browsing

There are several different air purifiers in the market that use various technologies and show different results. Not all air purifiers are safe for humans and pets.

While purchasing a new air purifier for a household with pets, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the types of air purifiers available. 

1. Air purifiers with True HEPA filter

True HEPA filters are the safest and most reliable filters found in air purifiers across the market. They have been in use for a long time and have a proven track record in terms of safety and industry standards.

They are good at removing smaller particles and are commonly found in several households across the country. These filters are sturdy, reliable, and safe when considering an air purifier for a home with pets. 

2. Air purifiers with electrostatic filters

Electrostatic filters work by using electric current to charge particles that are then attracted to a collection plate. They are best used to remove ash and soot and are particularly useful in households near industrial factories. These types of filters release a small quantity of ozone.

While manufacturers claim that it is insufficient to cause damage, it is worth noting that ozone is a highly toxic substance. Prolonged ozone exposure can cause permanent damage to humans and pets alike.

Unless you are specifically in need of an electrostatic filter and are sure about the amount of ozone it releases, it is not recommended for households with pets.

3. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters

Activated carbon filters are good at removing odor but not very good at removing particles from the air. This can be beneficial in clearing smells caused by your pet. However, they are not very effective in isolation and are best used in conjunction with a HEPA filter. This way, harmful particles and pet odors in your household are removed.

Some air purifiers produce ozone. These ozone generators are efficient at removing foul odor, but as the name suggests, they release a lot of ozone in the process. Manufacturers may claim that their models are safe to use. It is best to avoid these types of air purifiers altogether since even the smallest amount of ozone exposure can cause a lot of damage to you and your pets. 

So, which air purifier should you go for?

Air purifiers can be highly beneficial for you and your pets if you choose the right type. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is the best choice for a household with pets. If you also want to get rid of foul odor and other smells associated with pets, you can opt for an air purifier with an additional activated carbon filter.

So, an air purifier that has a True HEPA filter and an additional activated carbon filter is the best and safest choice to use in a household with pets.

5 ways to make your house smell pet free

hugging pets

Clean and clutter-free space

The first step in making your house smell-free is organizing your space. Make sure your litter boxes are positioned well and that pet waste is disposed of in a timely manner. It will help keep your area clean and smell-free. 

Keep pets well-groomed. You can ensure your pets get groomed frequently, eliminating the dead skin shed in the nooks and crannies of your household. 

Use room fresheners

You can also increase the use of essential oil diffusers and scented candles in your household to provide invigorating scents that you enjoy. It will help you combat an unpleasant odor and help introduce pleasant smells into your home. 

Add plants to your home

You can increase the number of indoor plants in your household to remove harmful air pollutants. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. If you have plants in your house, the air will be fresher than in a home without plants. This helps keep the air clean and will reduce the amount of stale and foul-smelling air in your household.

Buy an air purifier

The most effective way to get rid of pet smell in a household is to get an air purifier. An air purifier with an activated carbon filter will do wonders in keeping your space odor-free. A HEPA filter will remove pet dander and smaller particles from the air. Using both these filters in conjunction will help keep your house smelling fresh and clean. 

Location of an air purifier

While installing a new purifier, positioning is essential. You want to keep your air purifier in a place where your pets won’t knock it over. Dislodging a purifier can cause more airborne contaminants to be released and undo the work your air purifier has done.

You can consider a wall-mounted air purifier if you have cats or dogs. If you have birds, you can place the air purifier on the opposite side of the room, away from them.

Air purifiers can be distracting for pets. You want to put your air purifier in a place where it will not disrupt your pets’ schedule and interfere with their routine. 

Best Air Purifier If You Are Having Pets

One of the best air purifiers in the market if you are a pet owner is the LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Large Room. It comes with a true HEPA filter and an activated charcoal filter, making it efficient at removing particles and odor.

The LEVOIT system has been known to remove 99.97% of dust, mold, and smoke and remove particles as small as 0.3 microns. It operates at low volumes to function quietly and not disrupt you or your pets from sleep. This is a highly recommended model for pet owners as it caters to most needs for a household with pets.

FAQ Section

1. Do air purifiers catch pet hair?

Yes, air purifiers can catch pet dander and hair, but only if they are floating in the air. A good HEPA filter can eliminate up to 99.97% of contaminants, including pet hair and dander.

2. Do air purifiers work for dog smell?

Yes, air purifiers can eliminate odor, including dog smells. You need to get an air purifier with an activated charcoal filter, as a HEPA filter alone cannot eliminate the odor completely. It is best to get a purifier with both filters to cover all your needs as a pet owner.

3. Are air purifiers with ionizers safe for pets?

Generally speaking, an air purifier that produces ozone should be avoided. Ionizers produce much less ozone than ozone generators. Manufacturers may claim that ionizers are safe.

However, an ozone generator is harmful to both humans and pets alike. It is best to avoid ionizers for households with pets, as even the smallest amount of ozone exposure can cause permanent health damage for your pets.

4. Will air purifiers help with pet allergies?

Air purifiers remove harmful contaminants and allergens in the air that affect humans and pets alike. If your pet suffers from respiratory conditions or allergies, an air purifier will help remove the contaminants in the air that trigger allergies.

Pets benefit from air purifiers, too, and they can help your pet’s allergies get better.

5. Are air purifiers safe for birds?

As long as you don’t use an air purifier that produces ozone, air purifiers are safe for birds. HEPA filters are considered safe for birds.

6. Are air purifiers safe for babies?

Ozone is a dangerous substance that will have devastating effects on your baby. As long as you avoid air purifiers that produce ozone, air purifiers are safe for your babies. True HEPA filters are known to be of good quality and are completely safe for your baby.

Wrapping Up

Air purifiers are used commonly in households to provide good quality indoor air. They offer several health benefits for homeowners across the country.

However, it is natural to question whether purchasing an air purifier is safe for your little furry friends as a pet owner. A good air purifier can be as beneficial for your pets as it is for your family. Identifying an air purifier that is right for you can be difficult as several different types and models of air purifiers are available.

We hope that this article has given you some pointers on whether air purifiers are safe for your pets. With this information, you can now confidently buy the right air purifier for your household.

Knowing that your pets can benefit from air purifiers as much as your family should give you the confidence to purchase an air purifier that is a good fit for your household.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

What difference does uv light make in an air purifier

What difference does UV light make in an air purifier?

We have heard of air purifiers using True HEPA filters and activated carbon filters to purify the air in our homes. But did you know that other technologies are also used in air purifiers? That’s right. One particular element is UV Light. Air purifiers using UV Light only are known to purify the air by targeting mold spores and mildew quickly. This has given rise to a few doubts regarding the safety of using UV Light.

Here, we will discuss the effect of UV Light in air purifiers, especially if you are living in an area that brings mold and mildew into your homes.  

How do UV air purifiers clean the air?

Air Purifier With UV

More often than not, when we think of air purification, we instantly think of True HEPA air filters. HEPA air filters are considered to be of the highest standard and deliver the results we are looking for every time.

However, other technologies have recently come into use that has proven useful, such as UV light. Air purifiers with UV Light are great as disinfection tools. When combined with a true HEPA filter, UV air purifiers deliver fantastic results.

To truly understand what UV light air purifiers are, it is best to start with the ABCs of UV light. UV light or ultraviolet light is a kind of electromagnetic radiation. It rests outside the spectrum for human beings. Its wavelength is shorter than the visible spectrum, although it is longer than that found in X-rays. UV light makes up around 10% of sunlight.

While it can cause you to develop sunburns, its cell-destroying properties make it useful to remove air impurities. Naturally occurring ultraviolet light occurs in three forms – UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

UV-A

UV-A is the most common type of UV light that accounts for 95% of the sun’s radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. Tanning beds use UV-A light. Unfortunately, it also causes the skin to wrinkle and age prematurely.

UV-B

UV-B causes the biggest concern to humans. Most sunburns are caused by UV-B light, which affects the top layer of your skin and damages DNA with prolonged exposure.

UV-C

UV-C is considered the most harmful and most dangerous to living organisms and cells. Fortunately, the earth’s atmosphere can block 100% of UV-C radiation.

With the advancement in technology, we can make artificial UV-C. If used properly, the harmful effects of UV-C light can be used to purify the air. Therefore, what is harmful in UV-C light can help purify the air.

Air purifiers typically use UV-C light (or short-wave ultraviolet light) to inactivate airborne pathogens like bacteria, mold, and viruses. Their primary purpose is to reduce indoor air pollutants. UV germicidal irradiation or UVGI air purifiers is another term for this type of technology.

UV air purifiers use UV lamps that alter the DNA of microorganisms present in the air, thereby making them inactive and eventually destroying them. The air from the room is pulled into the unit and passes through the HEPA filter. Then, the air moves into a small internal chamber where it is exposed to UV light. The UV light is kept contained within the air purifier as it can be harmful to look at directly. The UV-C light does not get released into the room, preventing direct exposure.

The type of model determines whether or not the air will be passed through yet another filter before releasing fresh air back into the room.

When Should You Use UV Light on an Air Purifier?

If you have concerns about exposure to UV light and, as a result, are unsure when you need to activate the UV function on your air purifier – don’t be. You can control the use of UV light in your air purifier.

For ideal results, make sure you leave the air purifier with UV light on all the time. For thorough sterilization to take place, you will need to allow the air purifier to run most of the time, if not all the time. Here are your options on when it’s best to run the UV light:

  • Run it overnight
  • Run it when you are not at home
  • Run it 24/7, too – it’s perfectly safe!

Which is better HEPA or UV light?

Choosing which type of air purifier to pick is always hard, especially if you have too many choices. Therefore, we have listed all the pros and cons of both types of air purifiers to help you decide on the type that is most suitable for you and your household needs. 

Pros of HEPA filters:

  • HEPA filters can trap a large concentration of air pollutants in one cycle. 
  • HEPA filtration systems combine other air purification methods (including UV-C light) to provide a more thorough air filtration process.
  • They are highly affordable with quality technology.
  • HEPA filters don’t produce harmful byproducts
  • True HEPA filters are ideal for those who suffer from allergies and other respiratory problems.

Cons of HEPA filters:

  • HEPA filters do come with the disadvantage of reintroducing the trapped microorganism back into the air. You can prevent this by conducting regular maintenance checks and frequent filter changes, which could be expensive.
  • HEPA filters are not always as effective against smaller air pollutants

Pros of UV Light Air Purifiers

  • UV-C air purifiers are far more technologically advanced, offering a superior sanitization process. 
  • UV light eradicates viruses and bacteria as small as 0.1 microns, including the SARS-CoV-2 mutation capable of passing through the HEPA filter. 
  • They also use less energy than the HEPA air purifier, which requires a constant level of airflow to run. 
  • The UV light bulbs are long-lasting and do not need to be replaced frequently.

Cons of UV Light Air Purifiers

  • Most UV-C air purifiers come as standalone units or part of a bigger filtration system. 
  • Standalone UV-C air purifier costs a lot more than HEPA air purifiers. 
  • UV Light air purifiers are not effective against every type of air pollutants
  • If not appropriately coated with the correct material, the UV lamp built into the UV light air purifier could release ozone as a byproduct into the atmosphere. Ozone generation is known to be harmful to humans.

Now that you have all the pros and cons of HEPA air purifiers and UV light air purifiers, you can make the right choice for your home and family. But, be it for your home or for commercial use, a UV-C filter that’s part of a larger filtration system would be safest, i.e., combining both HEPA filter and UV-C light technology. Such systems make an overall impact on air contaminants. 

What is the healthiest air purifier?

The market offers many types of UV air purifiers targeting different audiences. While some models focus on the power of germicidal irradiation, others offer unbeatable prices that are hard to match. And because UV-light does not fall under AHAM testing, some manufacturers exaggerate the performance output of their models to boost sales. Fortunately, you can bypass all the ineffective and dubious UV air purifiers with uncoated UV lamps, with our recommendation on the healthiest air purifier. Air purifiers that use a combination of True HEPA filters and UV-C Light are considered safe and fit for homes. Some of our top picks include

  1. GermGuardian True HEPA Air Purifier With UV Sanitizer
  2. Pure Enrichment Pure Zone Air Purifier
  3. TruSens Air Purifier with UV-C Light + HEPA Filtration 

FAQ Section

1. What are the types of Ultraviolet Light?

There are three types of Ultraviolet Light:

UV-A light
  • UV-A light of 315-400 nanometers with photons that vibrate a little faster than visible light. UV-A light constitutes 95% of the sun’s radiation that reaches the earth. Tanning beds make use of this kind of Ultraviolet light.
UV-B light
  • UV-B light of 280-315 nanometers with photons that vibrate even faster than UV-A light. Most sunburns are caused by UV-B light, affecting the top layer of our skin. UV-B is also responsible for DNA damage.
UV-C light
  • UV-C light of 100 – 280 nanometers with photons that vibrate the fastest compared to UV-A and UV-B light. They carry the most energy. UV-C light is considered the most dangerous to living things. The earth’s atmosphere is responsible for blocking off 100% of UV-C radiation from the sun.

2. Do UV air purifiers work on viruses?

The primary use of UV light air purifiers is to remove harmful pathogens from the atmosphere. Not only does the UV light capture bacteria and viruses from the air, but they also destroy and kill them, making them an excellent disinfectant and germicide tool. Recent studies show that UV light can be used to disinfect and kill airborne COVID-19 particles. And, that SARS-CoV-2 is highly susceptible to irradiation with ultraviolet light. That said, UV rays alone cannot prevent the occurrence of COVID-19. 

3. Do you need UV light with a HEPA filter?

Many HEPA air purifiers combine other air purifying methods like UV light to provide a robust air filtration process. The HEPA filter is great for preventing allergies, odor issues, respiratory problems, and general air cleaning. At the same time, the inbuilt UV light function will target the removal of harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria from the air, making the model an excellent disinfectant tool. A standalone UV light air purifier will turn out to be an expensive proposition, thanks to the relatively new technology it comes with. Therefore an ideal choice will be to choose an air purifier that comes with a HEPA filter and an inbuilt UV light function.

4. Do UV lights in air purifiers create ozone?

Most UV air purifiers are generally considered safe for indoor use. The UV-C light is well encapsulated inside the purifying unit, thereby preventing direct exposure to the UV lamp that could prove harmful to human health. That said, some UV light could produce ozone as a byproduct if it does not use a wavelength of 160-240 nanometers.

Ozone is an unstable form of the Oxygen molecule that reacts with other molecules when contact is made. Ozone production by a UV air purifier usually occurs only when the UV-C lamps are uncoated. As a result, some manufacturers use a special type of coating on the UV lamps to prevent a reaction with oxygen molecules that produce ozone as a harmful byproduct.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this article has armed you with enough information about UV light air purifiers and how they work. UV light air purifiers are great disinfectant tools that deliver an extremely holistic air purification process when used together with a HEPA filter. They work by drawing in air that will eventually pass through a chamber fitted with a UV lamp. The UV lamp is responsible for killing and destroying the DNA of harmful pathogens found in the atmosphere.

We have also highlighted the safest and most appropriate times at which you can choose to turn on the UV mode on your air purifier, should you be worried about Ozone emission. Overall, they are sound air purification systems useful for anyone who wants to reduce, if not get rid of, all the bacteria, viruses, and fungi floating around their homes. 

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About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.