Are you considering improving your indoor air quality with an air purifier? Understanding HVAC jargon can make your decision-making process a whole lot easier. Key terms like HEPA, CADR, ACH, UV-C light and ionizer can significantly impact how well your air purifier fits your needs. In this post, Cafco Services shares and explains the most common air purifier terms.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) refers to a type of filter that can trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. Most pollutants fall into this size range, making HEPA filters perfect for improving indoor air quality. HEPA filters are especially beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. They are highly effective in removing allergens such as dust, pollen and pet dander from the air.
The clean air delivery rate (CADR) measures an air purifier’s efficiency based on the cubic feet of air it can filter per minute. A higher CADR means quicker and more efficient air cleaning. For instance, an air purifier with a CADR of 200 for dust can reduce dust particle levels to the same concentration as adding 200 cubic feet of dust-free air per minute. This directly impacts how quickly the air purifier can clean a room and keep it pollutant-free.
Air changes per hour (ACH) is the number of times clean air is circulated in a room within an hour. More ACH implies healthier and fresher indoor air. For example, if an air purifier has an ACH rate of 4, it means the entire volume of air within the room is completely replaced four times in one hour. This rate is important as it provides insight into how quickly the purifier can clean the air in a specific space.
Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light is used by some air purifiers for sanitization. It can kill or neutralize airborne bacteria and viruses, which are particularly harmful to people with respiratory conditions.
Ionizers are particularly effective in environments where smoke or other heavy particulates are present. As the charged particles bind with these contaminants, they pull them out of the air and onto a collection plate, causing them to settle onto surfaces where they can be easily wiped away.
Grasping these terms can help you make a more informed purchase. Moreover, it will also allow you to communicate your needs with your preferred HVAC companies.
At Cafco Services, we prioritize your indoor air quality. Our diverse range of HVAC filter products includes top-notch air purifiers suited to various needs. Many of our air purifiers rely on HEPA technology as well as systems using UV-C light for thorough sanitization. Whether you need help with residential or refrigeration equipment services, call us at (513) 242-3400 or fill out our contact form.
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