Air PurierBUYERS GUIDE

A whitepaper by:

www.AirPurierSource.com

Copyright, Legal Notice, and Disclaimer

This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state, and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights: you are not allowed to mass distribute this whitepaper to anyone (commercially or not) without prior written permission. You may, however, share a copy with a friend or family member. If you received this whitepaper from anyone other than AirPurifierSource.com, you've received a pirated copy. Please contact us via e-mail at contact [at] AirPurifierSource.com and notify us of the situation. Please note that much of this whitepaper is based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Although the author and publisher have made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this whitepaper, they assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Also, you should use this information as you see fit, and at your own risk. Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the examples illustrated here; you should adjust your use of the information and recommendations accordingly. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms. Finally, use your head. Nothing in this whitepaper is intended to replace common sense, legal, medical, or other professional advice, and is meant to inform and entertain the reader. So have fun with the Official Air Purifier Buyers Guide, and find the right air purifier for you! Copyright © 2012 Z Enterprises. All rights reserved worldwide.

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................. 1

Sources of Contamination................................................................................. 2

Understanding Indoor Air Quality - Know Your Needs....................... 3

Allergies............................................................................................................ 3

Asthma............................................................................................................... 4

Odors.................................................................................................................. 5

Chemical Sensitivities................................................................................. 6

Micro-Organisms.......................................................................................... 6

Improving Air Quality and Your Health...................................................... 8

Remove Source Contamination............................................................... 8

Regular Cleaning........................................................................................... 9

Ventilation........................................................................................................ 10

Humidity........................................................................................................... 10

Air Purification and Filtration.................................................................. 10

Types of Air Filtration........................................................................................ 11

Electrostatic..................................................................................................... 11

Ionizer................................................................................................................ 11

True HEPA......................................................................................................... 11

Activated Carbon........................................................................................... 11

Ozone Generators......................................................................................... 12

UV (Ultraviolet Light)................................................................................... 12

Other Air Purifier Factors to Consider........................................................ 13

Area Coverage................................................................................................ 13

Air Changes per Hour (ACH).................................................................... 13

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR).............................................................. 14

Energy Consumption................................................................................... 15

Filter Life........................................................................................................... 16

Manufacturer's Reputation....................................................................... 16

Noise Level....................................................................................................... 17

Price.................................................................................................................... 18

Other Features................................................................................................ 18

Warranty............................................................................................................ 19

Why Buy an Air Purifier Online....................................................................... 20

Top Air Purifiers By Need and Price............................................................. 21

Conclusion and Take Home Points............................................................... 22

References............................................................................................................... 23

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~ The Official ~

Air Purifier Buyers Guide A whitepaper by AirPurifierSource.com

Did you know that indoor air pollution is, on average, 2-5 times worse

than the air outside? In fact, the EPA has rated indoor air quality as one of the top 5 environmental risks to public health.

This is largely because modern homes are built to be well-sealed areas, so that we can efficiently make use of heating and air conditioning systems. Generally, the newer the home, the more tightly it will be sealed. This ultimately reduces ventilation and prevents fresh outdoor air from circulating and rejuvinating the indoor environment.

In addition, today’s modern lifestyle leaves us spending about 90% of our time indoors (that’s over 21 hours every day)! With growth in pet ownership and an ever-increasing chemically driven marketplace, there has been a rapid rise in health problems associated with the increased concentrations of allergens and toxins in our homes.

While some of these contaminants, such as pollen and exhaust fumes, may be introduced to your home from the outside, studies show that almost half of your daily exposure to ultrafine particles comes from indoor sources. Below is a list of the most common sources of allergy and asthma triggering, as well as toxic, contaminants in the home.

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Sources of Contamination Mold Pollen Dust Mites Pets Housemates:

o Bacteria o Viruses

Cockroach Allergens Industrial and Auto

Emissions Candles and Incense Perfume/Cologne Wood Fire Stoves/Fireplaces Air Fresheners Household Cleaners Hairdryers and Curling Irons Ovens, Stoves, Toaster

Ovens Furniture:

o Synthetic Materials o Treated Leather/Wood o Plastics

Flooring: o Carpet o Laminates o Treated Woods

The above list is by no means exhaustive and is intended only to show

you that we are constantly being bombarded by a wide variety of contaminants, which build up in our homes over time.

Of these contaminants, some are easier to detect and remove than others. Depending on your individual sensitivites, some of these contaminants may be particularly harmful to you or your loved ones and you will likely want to address these first. Many of the smallest contaminants can be the hardest to recognize and remove and also have the ability to be the most harmful.

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Understanding Indoor Air Quality: Know Your Needs

A. Allergies

One of the most common reasons that people become aware of poor indoor air quality in their home is because of someone in the household experiencing allergy symtpoms. The most common airborne allergens that trigger symtoms include pollen, pet dander, mold spores, dust mite and cockroach allergens, and household dust.

These allergens can range in size from .1 microns or smaller, all the way up to 40 microns or more. Substances which are over 1 micron in size tend to settle out of the air rather quickly, while sub-micron particles (those under 1 micron in size), can stay suspended for very long periods of time.

Those particles that do settle out are repeatedly kicked up through

movement in the home, resuspending them and making them available for inhalation or contact with sensitive membranes (nasal, eyes, etc).

The chart below provides a visual depiction of the above fact:

Source: https://www.purenight.com/_asset/pys95h/published_paper.pdf

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Eye Opening Allergy Statistics1

A nationwide survey found that more than half of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens.

In a recent survey, over 50% of homes had at least six detectable allergens present.

Allergic diseases affect as many as 40 to 50 million Americans (1 in 5).

Allergy is the 5th leading chronic disease in the U.S. among all age groups, and the 3rd most common chronic disease among children under 18 years old.

Allergic rhinitis affects 10-30% of all adults and as many as 40% of children in the United States.

There were more than 13 million physician office visits because of allergic rhinitis in 2010 alone.

B. Asthma

Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the air passages resulting in the temporary narrowing of the airways that transport air from the nose and mouth to the lungs.

Asthma symptoms can be caused by allergens or irritants that are inhaled

into the lungs, resulting in inflamed, clogged, and constricted airways. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. In severe cases, asthma can even be deadly2.

Eye Opening Asthma Statistics

Nearly 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, and 60% of asthma cases are “allergic-asthma.”

The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the early 1980’s across all age, sex, and racial groups.

Nearly 5 million asthma sufferers are under age of 18. It is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more than 1 in 20 children.

Every day in America2: o 44,000 people have an asthma attack. o 36,000 children miss school due to asthma. o 27,000 adults miss work due to asthma.

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o 4,700 people visit the emergency room due to asthma. o 9 people die from asthma.

C. Odors

Odors in the home can come from many sources. The most common tend to be pets, mold/mildew, smoke, and cooking/kitchen odors. The best way to start addressing odors is to clean up or minimize the source as much as possible.

In dealing with pet odors, it is important to wash your animal frequently and to vacuum the floors and furniture regularly. If a pet has an “accident,” try using deodorizing chemicals to absorb the odors from carpeting or furniture.

Mildews and molds often require a dehumidifier to get under control. Once the humidity has been lowered enough to create an unhospitable environment for growth, the mold should die off and odors should fade.

Smoke odors, whether from tobacco or wood fires, are very potent.

Consistently allowing smoke in the home is pretty much guaranteeing that there will be a residual smell.

Cooking odors are pretty unavoidable, though using the stove’s fan can help. Trashcan and compost bin odors can be more difficult. Taking them out regularly and investing in a receptical that closes tightly can make a big difference.

Some Air Purifiers Can Help With Odors

In conjunction with source minimization, certain air purifiers can help to make a difference in detectable odors. Purifiers that use significant amounts of high-quality activated carbon will have the ability to adsorb many of the gaseous compounds that are responsible for undesirable smells.

Units that only offer an “activated carbon pre-fiter” will not suffice if

odors are your main air quality concern. You will want to look for purifiers like those by the brands Blueair and Austin Air, which offer up to 6 and 15 lbs of activated carbon respectively. Activated carbon is the same technology that can help those with chemical sensitivities to remove harmful airborne chemicals.

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D. Chemical Sensitivities

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) is a medical condition characterized by debilitating chemical sensitivities. People who are chemically sensitive are made sick by exposure to chemicals found in many common products such as pesticides, perfumes, tobacco smoke, new carpets, air "fresheners," new paint and building materials, and many cleaning and laundry products.

Symptoms experienced by people with MCS range from mild to life threatening, and include headaches, trouble concentrating, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. MCS symptoms in children include red cheeks and ears, dark circles under the eyes, hyperactivity, and behavior or learning problems.

MCS is recognized as a potentially disabling condition by the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on a case-by-case basis. This means that employers, schools, hospitals, stores, hotels, and other public places must provide reasonable accommodations to people with MCS who qualify as having a disability under the ADA3. This condition is also often called “sick building syndrome.” Chemical sensitivites have been shown in many studies to affect 15-37% of the population4. However, of the more than 80,000 commercial chemicals in use today, only a small fraction have been adequately studied. MCS frequently involves imbalances in a person’s nervous, immune, and endocrine (hormonal) systems, as well as impaired detoxification abilities. A person with MCS may react to mold, pollen, animals, and dust, although the symptoms may be different from those of traditional allergies5.

E. Micro-Organisms

Bacteria and viruses are the cause of illnesses like the common cold, flu, meningitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, diphtheria, and other infections. The presence of these pathogens is also associated with general irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract.

Those who tend to be most susceptable to illness from pathogens are the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. You may

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notice an increase in colds in the family if you live in a confined area, live with many people, or live in a generally dirty or unhygenic environment.

A good place to start addressing these sensitivities is with recognized

hygiene practices, such as covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands regularly, and disinfecting common areas like faucets, door handles, and tables.

Many common bacteria fall in the range of .3 microns and above, which is convenient because HEPA filters are certified to trap particles .3 microns and larger with 99.97% efficiency. Viruses, on the other hand, are smaller. Some are large enough to be trapped in a HEPA filter, but others will likely slip through.

Certain technologies, like UV lamps and PCO (Photo-Catalytic Oxidation)

filtration, can help to address these living organisms as they pass through or become trapped in an air purifier.

Eye Opening Micro-Organism Statistics6

In the US, influenza and pneumonia were the eighth leading cause of

death in 2007. Between 5 and 20 percent of the US population that will get the flu, on

average, each year. In 2010, the CDC began recommending that everyone over six months of

age get a flu vaccine as soon as it’s available.

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Improving Air Quality and Your Health

A. Remove Source Contamination

For certain contaminants, this step is easier said than done. For others, however, simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in both the quality of your indoor air and the health symptoms you experience. Of course, getting rid of your cat or dog is not typically a practical or

desirable option. However, restricting your animal’s access to certain parts of the home is not unreasonable. Most people spend the majority of their time at home in the bedroom. By restricting your animal’s access to the bedroom, you can begin to create a space with minimal allergens, which can help to reduce your symptoms. Regular bathing and grooming of pets, in combination with dander sprays which break down the proteins in dander that trigger allergies, can make a big difference in the amount of harmful dander that accumulates in your home.

If you are in the market for a new home, or are considering remodeling,

replacing the carpet with hardwood floors can do a great deal when it comes to reducing allergens in the home. If carpet is a must, then try to look for "Low-VOC" or "VOC-Free" carpeting and carpet adhesive. This will minimize the introduction of harmful chemicals into your home. Carpets can act as allergen “sinks” and hold particles that will later be re-released into the air when stirred up. They can also emit toxic chemicals for a significant period of time after installation. Additionally, the very fibers that comprise carpeting are often released and contribute to dust and synthetic allergen buildup in the home.

Traditional household paints generally contain many VOC’s (Volatile

Organic Compounds), which are gaseous substances that are often toxic, like benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. Because VOC’s are volatile, they can "off-gas" from the walls into the air as the paint is applied or as it dries. This process can continue on well after the initial painting. Of the traditional household paints, latex or water-based paints are largely free of formaldehyde and other chemicals to prevent mildew and mold. Additionally, flat finish paints tend to contain fewer VOC’s than glossy finish paints, while white or pale paints have less VOC’s than brightly colored or dark paints. Look for "Low-VOC", "Zero-VOC" or "No-

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VOC" latex paints, which must have VOC levels lower than 100 parts per gallon. GreenSeal can help you to find specific paints that have lower amounts of harmful chemicals.

Minimize sources of combustion particulates like candles, incense, and

burning or smoking foods and oils. These smoke particles can be some of the smaller airborne contaminants you will encounter and have long been proven to contribute to negative health effects. If you must be around these, it is important to use proper ventilation.

If you live in an area where the pollen count gets high and you or your

loved ones have pollen sensitivities, keep windows and doors closed during the peak season. Move jackets and shoes to the outside or just inside of the door to minimize the immigration of pollen particles into the home. Pollen particles are relatively large and will thus settle out of the air relatively quickly. Regular vacuuming and cleaning is important when dealing with pollen.

Avoid plug-in or spray air freshners, potpourri, and perfume/cologne.

Utilize natural substances like baking soda and vinegar for day-to-day cleaning or seek out non-toxic household cleaners.

Get a home mold test kit to check for the presence of mold spores. Mold

spores are a common allergen and some molds can even be deadly. If mold is discovered, taking measures to remove it will be necessary. This most often includes controlling the humidity levels in your home. This can be done with proper ventilation and the use of a dehumidifier. Using building materials or coatings that inhibit the growth of mold is also recommended.

B. Regular Cleaning

Many of the allergens mentioned above are larger than 1 micron in size and are thus rather heavy. They fall out of the air quickly and settle on furniture and flooring. Additionally, even the smallest of allergens and contaminants can be trapped in carpeting, curtains, and furniture fabrics.

Routine cleaning of all surfaces and the use of a “True” HEPA vacuum

cleaner with good upholstory attachments will help you remove large quantities of settled contaminants from flooring and furniture.

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C. Ventilation

Depending on where you live, it may not always be practical to open windows and doors for extended periods of time. Temperature, humidity, and outdoor allergens or contaminants may prohibit you from the opportunity for ventilation. However, whenever possible, you should give your house a “breather.”

Let some outdoor air flush through the home by opening doors and

windows on at least two different sides of the house at a time. Prop doors open with a shoe or book, as a vacuum effect is often created that can slam doors shut. Considering that outdoor air is, in general, of better quality than indoor air, this practice will allow fresher air to replace the stale air in your home and help to provide a healthier indoor environment. D. Humidity

If indoor humidity is above 50 percent, risks of fungus growth rise steeply. Hygrometers can be used to measure humidity accurately. The goal is to keep humidity below 45 percent, and preferably closer to 35 percent7.

Additionally, higher indoor humidity is associated with increased levels of dust mites. The allergens from dust mites, arguably the most impactful of allergens for humans, are associated with both the development and exacerbation of asthma.

E. Air Purification and Filtration

Actively filtering the air in your home is a great way to effectively remove a large portion of the allergens and toxins floating around inside. There are a variety of filtration technologies available and some are better than others.

Certain types of filtration are better for certain contaminants and some

aren’t good for much at all. While we have already touched on some forms of filtration above, below we will go into more detail and lay the foundation for you to understand how to select the best air purifier for your needs.

Remember that many purifiers incorporate two or more different filtration

methods to improve their effectiveness.

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Types of Air Filtration A. Electrostatic This term is most often used to describe an air cleaner that uses electricity to “charge” collection plates, which particles will then stick to. Many popular units of the past decade have used this technology. It is usually rather inefficient in removing common allergens and toxins in levels high enough to positively effect health symptoms. Many units that rely soley on this method of filtration have small, weak fans or no fan at all and thus fail to circulate enough air to be effective. The collection plates must be cleaned quite regularly to keep them effective at all. Combining electrostatic filtration with other filtration methods can improve its effectiveness. B. Ionizer Ionizers “charge” particles in the air (ions), which causes them to “bond” with other particles and cling to surfaces in the room, rather than floating in the air. Another reason many units are now incorporating this technology is that these charged particles also cling to each other, creating larger particles which are more easily trapped when passing through filters. C. True HEPA HEPA air purifiers meet efficiency standards set by the US Department of Energy by removing 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 micrometers from the air. These filters have repeatedly been shown to be effective at removing small particles from the air in significant amounts. Many manufacturers of cheaper units like to capitalize on the positive associations of HEPA and use it to market purifiers that do not feature true HEPA filter media. They are usually labeled as “HEPA-Type” or “HEPA-Like” and are not as effective or efficient as high quality HEPA filter media. D. Activated Carbon Activated carbon (which may also be called activated charcoal), is a form of carbon (derived from various sources including peat, wood, and coal) which is processed in order to render it very porous. This means that the processed form has large amounts of surface area, which is ideal for adsorbing gaseous compounds in the air. Just 1 gram of activated carbon can have over 500 square meters of surface area.

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As it applies to air purification, activated carbon is capable of removing toxic chemical gases, as well as odor-causing compounds, from the air in your home. If your sole concern is an allergen like pollen, then you may choose to forgo a unit that features activated carbon. However, if pet, kitchen, or smoke odors are your problem, or you are concerned about chemical off-gassing associated with a new home or building, then a unit featuring large amounts of activated carbon is likely the right choice for you. E. Ozone Generators Ozone generators do not actually remove particles from the air, but may remove some chemical contaminants through a chemical reaction8. Ozone has also been shown to help to neutralize odors. Ozone is a recognized lung irritant and the US government has established levels that it deems safe and unsafe. These devices are best utilized when no one is present in the home. F. UV (Ultraviolet Light) Ultraviolet light is used to destroy germs, bacteria, and viruses by damaging the DNA structure of the microorganisms. This can serve the purpose of both killing organisms as they pass through the purifier (e.g. viruses which are too small to be trapped) or killing organisms already trapped in the filter (e.g. bacteria and fungi) to prevent them from multiplying and being redistributed into the home. NQ Industries and their Clarifier line of purifiers are some of the most effective UV/HEPA purifiers on the market today.

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Other Air Purifier Factors to Consider

A. Area Coverage This is an aspect of air purifier selection that should not be overlooked. Purifiers come in a variety of sizes and feature fans of different capabilities. This means that while some purifiers are capable of moving large volumes of air in short periods of time, others are much less powerful. It is always better to have a more capable unit for the amount of space needing purification than a weaker unit. Using a purifier intended to effectively clean a 100 square feet in a room that is 600 square feet is much less likely to provide you with the positive results you are seeking. On the flipside, using a unit capable of cleaning 600 square feet in a 100 square foot room will provide positive results faster and at lower fan speeds (providing quieter operation). While you don’t need to calculate this precisely, doing a couple quick measurements is easy enough and can give you a good idea of what purifiers will suit your home best. You can use the following equation:

Length of Room x Width of Room = Square Footage

e.g. 15’ x 20’ = 300 square feet The square footage recommendations for most air purifiers assume 8 foot ceilings. They also assume the capability of the purifier on its highest setting. If your ceilings are taller than 8 feet, or your room is oddly shaped, things can be a bit trickier. In reality, we just want a roundabout number. The goal here is to not be overly concerned with accuracy, but to get the best idea possible. A home’s blueprints can often simplify the process. B. Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

This term describes exactly what it sounds like - how many times all of the air in a given room will be filtered (or replaced with filtered air) in a one hour timeframe. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) "Clean Air Delivery Rate" numbers are based on 6 air changes per hour. In general, the higher the number of air changes per hour, the better. These will usually vary between about 1 and 7, depending on the unit being used and the room size. I would not consider a unit that delivers less than 2 air changes per hour for a given area. A lower power unit in a very large room will change the air a smaller number of times, while a powerful purifier in a small room may change it many times in an hour.

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This becomes more important the more severe and sensitive your health problems are. It is also important if you have a constant source of new allergens in your home (e.g. pets, smoke, pollen, outside dust from dry climates, odors, new flooring/furnishings). Remember, the fan speed directly effects this number and when you see a claim as to air changes per hour, you can assume that it is referring to the unit being used on its highest setting, as this is what is used in AHAM's CADR testing and it delivers the highest results (higher than lower speeds), which is great for marketing. The following equation will help you easily calculate air changes per hour for purifiers based on the manufacturer’s specs:

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) x 60 (Minutes/Hour) / Cubic Feet of Room

Many manufacturers include CFM numbers that do not take into account the resistence that the air filter imparts. This means that depending on the brand, the numbers you see may actually be lower in practice than they are on the spec sheet. Different companies report numbers in different ways, so be aware. We will always strive to provide the most accurate information available at AirPurifierSource.com. C. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) The CADR is a standardized rating given to each purifier that is submitted to AHAM for testing, which measures the amount of filtered air delivered by that purifier. The CADR seal that is displayed on the box of many purifiers, or found on websites selling the units, will recommend a room size in square feet, as well as provide three rating numbers for dust, smoke, and pollen. With all of these numbers, the higher the better. CADR.org recommends that you look for purifiers with a CADR for smoke of at least 2/3 the recommended room size (in square feet). Again, these numbers indicate how much filtered air is delivered from the unit and how quickly and efficiently it can clean these three types of particles (dust, smoke, and pollen). These numbers are based on 6 air changes per hour and are measured on the purifier’s highest setting. Square footage is based on 8 foot ceilings. Manufacturers are not required to submit their products for AHAM certification; it is optional. Some manufacturers (particularly of higher-end units) feel that the tests are biased to favor units which deliver high amounts of “filtered” air and don’t take into consideration other important factors. They test using only the purifier’s highest setting and don’t take into account gaseous chemical or odor absorption or the seal around the air filter. A poor seal can let unfiltered air slip past and contribute to inflated CADR numbers.

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Many high-end units use dense and restrictive filter layers that slow down air flow, yet clean very effectively. By nature, these units will not excel in CADR tests even though they are very capable machines. CADR numbers become a more useful resource when you are considering some of the lower-end or budget purifiers on the market. There is often little else to tell us how capable some of these units are. The CADR numbers can at least give you an idea of how much space they can clean and that they do in fact have fans powerful enough to move significant volumes of air. An example of a great brand that doesn’t use CADR ratings is Austin Air. An example of a reputable brand that features the highest CADR ratings in the industry is Blueair. D. Energy Consumption While this is clearly not the most important aspect of choosing an air purifier, energy efficiencies do vary among manufacturers and models. If using environmentally-friendly appliances is important to you, then there are units available which will better suit your lifestyle. Air purifiers are not incredibly energy-intensive machines. The typical electricity costs for a purifier capable of cleaning medium-to-large sized rooms is between $60 and $100 per year. This figure is easy enough to calculate on your own for any purifier that has wattage requirements publically available. The equation is as follows: Machine Wattage x Rate/Kilowatt Hour x Hours/Day x 30 x 0.001 = Monthly Cost

Your personal "Rate/Kilowatt Hour" can be found on your electric bill or you can get an idea from here. It typically averages somewhere

between 11 and 12 cents within the US.

"Hours/Day" represents how long the unit runs each day. In most situations, this will be 24.

"30" represents the average number of days in one month.

"0.001" represents the conversion from watts to kilowatts.

e.g. 115 Watts x .125 per Kilowatt Hour x 30 Days x .001 = $10.35 per Month

It is worth noting that the most efficient purifier we are currently aware of is the Blueair ECO10. This unit was specifically designed with efficiency in mind and utilizes only 10 watts of power on its highest setting. This is roughly 6-10 times more efficient than many comparable units and will only cost around $8/yr in electricity to run 24/7 on high.

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E. Filter Life

This is a factor which many people will find important. Replacing filters on air purifiers is a fact of life. You should question any unit which claims to have permanent filters or no replacements required. Any type of filter gets gunked up over time and cleaning years worth of buildup is not often practical. Different brands are generally associated with different filter lives ranging from 6 months to 5 years. As you can see, this is quite a difference, and in many cases a larger upfront investment on a purifier can save money in the long run through replacement filter savings. It is a good idea to stay close to the manufacturer’s recommended filter change interval because clogged filters can put extra strain on the fan motor inside the purifier and cause it to burn out prematurely. Additionally, to maintain the required effiency and effectiveness for health benefits, it is a good idea to replace filters when necessary. Depending on the environment in which a purifier is being used, filters can last longer or shorter than their recommended life; it is not really an exact science. Lets say, for example, you live in a dusty midwest town in an old home that is not well sealed. You own 4 cats and 3 dogs that all live indoors. This year, you have painted your bedroom 4 times because you were not happy with the color and you run the unit on high 24/7. This type of environment consists of many sources of contaminants and is likely to fill up the HEPA and carbon filters of your purifier quickly. This doesn’t mean a purifier won’t be effective, just that you should consider replacing the filters slightly more often. On the flipside, if you use a purifier in a vacation home and only run it when you are in town, the filter may last well beyond the recommended time. For many people, other factors may be more important than filter life, and that is just fine. It does not mean one purifier is better than the other, just that it may cost a bit more over time to own one unit versus another. Austin Air is one brand that we highly recommend due to their industry-leading filter warranty. Essentially, if their filter seems to be less effective and needs replacement before its 5 year life is up, Austin Air will pro-rate (give a considerable discount) on a replacement filter. This makes owning these purifiers even more affordable and gives the consumer more assurance. F. Manufacturer’s Reputation

As indoor air quality continues to be such a hot issue and allergies and asthma are on the rise, the air purifier industry is growing up as well. Every year, more and more companies enter the marketplace. Some offer new and

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innovative technologies and designs, and others bring poor-performing units to the market and thrive on flashy marketing campaigns and exposure from "Big Box" stores like Walmart, Lowes, and Target. I think there is something to be said for the brands that have passed the test of time by delivering quality products long praised by consumers. Brands like Austin Air and Blueair fit the bill. One other thing you may want to consider is where the products are made. For example, Austin Air is one of the only companies to make their units themeselves in the USA (Buffalo, NY to be exact). By doing so, they oversee the quality of the components and manufacturing and can thus offer such outstanding warranties. They are confident in their product. Brands like Hunter, Holmes, and Hamilton Beach often make cheap units made overseas without enough fan or filtration power to make much of a difference in your indoor air quality, yet you see them at major retail stores across the country. These are examples of brands that typically cannot provide the necessary benefits in order to improve your health. G. Noise Level

This tends to be one of the biggest complaints from consumers when they get their new purifier. The fact is that these machines are essentially a fan pulling large volumes of air through a filter which obstructs its flow. This is bound to create some noise. The ideal way to use a purifier in most situations is to run it 24/7 on a fairly high speed in the area that you spend most of your time; the bedroom is often ideal. If you intend to use it this way and are an abnormally light sleeper, you may want to consider units known to be relatively quiet. It is important to set realistic expectations when it comes to the noise produced by your purifier. While some are more quiet than others, on medium and high

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speeds, most quality units are going to create some noise. The chart on the right side of page 17 shows some common decibel ranges for everyday noises. Most manufacturers provide decibel levels for the various operating speeds of their purifiers to give you some idea of the sound produced. Blueair is a popular, high-quality brand that is known for relatively quiet operation. H. Price

If you have been looking around at air purifiers, then you are probably somewhat familiar with the range of pricing available. With purifiers (as with most products), there is an association between price and quality. While $2,000 may seem like a bit of an absurd price for a home air purifier, $500-$800 should not. In fact many of the best units on the market today fall into this price range. That is not to say that you can’t get a capable unit for less than $500, you surely can. This is the great thing about competition in the marketplace. When it comes to air purifiers, there really is something for everybody. You should be suspicious of units costing less than $100 and steer away from them. This is meant to be an investment in your health! It is likely that most of you are seeking serious relief from chronic health symptoms and you should consider this as something that can save you money in the long run through increased productivity, fewer medications, and fewer doctor visits. Spend what you can afford to get the best unit for your needs. I. Other Features

There are many other features available today that make purifiers easier and more convenient to use. These include things like remote controls, filter replacement indicators, timers, air quality sensors, automatic modes, and even external art work. These features have been categorized together because none of them are essential to the operation of the unit, but might make the unit more efficient or convenient to use. You will have to judge for yourself which of these features are most important to you and choose an air purifier accordingly.

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Of these add-ons, one of the most functional would have to be the air quality sensors, which are usually offered in conjuction with an Automatic Mode. This is a feature which will detect levels of airborne contaminants and adjust the speed of the purifier accordingly, increasing effectiveness and efficiency without the need for you to intervene. Recommended models that feature this technology include the Blueair 450E and 650E, Winix PlasmaWave™ Purifiers, and the Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro. J. Warranty

Similarly to filter life, air purifier warranties vary from brand to brand, but are generally something you should consider when making a purchase. Again, it may not be the most important factor to you, but is certainly worth thinking about, especially if you have particularly bad luck with electronics or enjoy the peace of mind that a solid warranty can provide. Typically, the minimum warranty you will see offered is 1 year, while some brands actually feature a lifetime warranty. Brands that offer a 3-5 year warranty (Austin Air, Blueair, and Surround Air fall into this category) are doing a good job of standing behind their product. It implies that they are confident enough in their product to guarantee it to last a significant amount of time. Sometimes you have to wonder when a company is only confident enough to offer a 90 day warranty! To ease the minds of our customers and provide the best value that we can, AirPurifierSource.com regularly offers Free Extended Warranties on most models carried. These warranties typically provide you with a $40-$100 warranty completely free of charge and extend your protection 2 years beyond the manufacturer’s existing warranty.

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Why Buy an Air Purifier Online? Access to exclusive brands that are only available over the Internet.

Advice from real experts who can help you make the best choice.

There are no taxes to pay if you live in a different state than the business.

There are extended warranty options not available in stores.

Why Buy from AirPurifierSource.com?

Get access to the best customer service on the Web.

Receive a free 2-year extended warranty with every air purifier! This warranty begins only after the manufacturer's warranty has ended.

Receive free shipping on every purchase over $199 (in Continental US).

We accept payment through Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, as well as PayPal, Moneybookers/Skrill, Google Checkout, and Amazon Checkout.

We offer international shipping through our partner GlobalShopex.

High availability due to direct connections with every manufacturer.

We carry only the best air purifiers - every item we sell is of high quality!

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee - if you are dissatisfied for any reason, simply return your purifier within 30 days for a full refund!

Visit

For the Best Deals Online! www.AirPurifierSource.com

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Top Air Purifiers By Need and Price

Top Quality Austin Air Allergy Machine or Allergy Machine Jr

On a Budget Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro Top Quality Austin Air Bedroom Machine

On a Budget Blueair 203

Top Quality Austin Air Healthmate Plus or Healthmate Plus Jr

On a Budget Blueair 203 with SmokeStop Filter

Top Quality Austin Air Healthmate Plus or Healthmate Plus Jr

On a Budget Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro

Top Quality Blueair 650E

On a Budget Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro

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Conclusion & Take Home Points

We have attempted to provide you with a compilation of as much useful information as possible to help guide you through the sometimes confusing world of indoor air quality and air purification. We hope that what may have taken you many hours to learn yourself by scouring the internet was presented in an interesting and readable way that has made your life easier. The take home points from this whitepaper are: HEPA filtration is the best proven method for removing many of the most

common allergy and asthma triggers. Be wary of “HEPA-Type” and “HEPA-Like” labeled units.

Activated carbon is effective at adsorbing VOC’s (gaseous chemical toxins and odor-causing compounds) from the air. Purifiers offering activated carbon pre-filters or other small amounts of carbon should not be used for serious odor or chemical issues. Look for units with high levels (several pounds minimum) of activated carbon if you are hoping to remove odors from the air.

Units delivering at least a few air changes per hour are ideal. The more, the better. AHAM recommends a minimum of 6 ACH.

CADR ratings are not the end-all-be-all. Many high-quality units have not submitted their purifiers for CADR testing. These numbers are a good indicator of the power and capabilites of certain purifiers, but other factors can and should be included in your decision.

Do not be turned off or scared by the high prices of some air purifiers. In most cases, those prices reflect an increase in quality and often performance. Choosing to buy an air purifier should be thought of as an investment in the health of you and your family - there are better places to skimp.

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References

[1] http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/allergy-statistics.aspx [2] http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=42 [3] http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/pdf/Multiple-Chemical- Sensitivities-Brochure.pdf [4] http://www.mcsrr.org/factsheets/mcsprev.pdf [5] http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/pdf/What-Is-MCS-by-Ann- McCampbell.pdf [6] http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-statistics [7] http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=234 [8] http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html