What To Include In Your Checklist When Buying Commercial Air Purifiers

We all need a breath of fresh air in our daily lives. How we wish that every place we visit will have that clean air that we need. Sometimes, we may neglect the need to breathe in clean air especially if we know we do not have any existing respiratory ailment. But since dust, dander and all sorts of air pollutants can be present in the atmosphere, tomorrow may be too late to start getting rid of these particles.

In the workplace, any scenario can happen. Think of the manufacturing processes that take place within the building and you will know that airborne chemicals can easily be trapped in air and can affect your productivity in the long run. It is good to note that commercial air purifiers are available for purchase. Your checklist must include the following when buying one.

Your reasons for installing an air purifier

People purchase air purifiers for the following reasons:

• Odours like cooking smells, musty air, pet scents and smoke
• Allergens like pet dander, mould and all sorts of  airborne irritants that can trigger health disorders
• Dust which is present in any type of commercial industries 
• Microorganisms like virus, bacteria, dust mites, spores and fungi
• Exposure to air hazards and wildfire smoke

From the reasons you have listed above, you can purchase a particular commercial air purifier that can address these concerns.

The type of business you engage in

Often, the type of business may dictate the need to invest in a commercial air purifier. Amongst businesses that need one include:

• Nail salons or spas
• Embalming facilities
• Healthcare facilities like hospitals, dental offices and clinics
• Fire departments
• Restoration and construction facilities
• Warehouses and factories
• Welding, grinding and wood shops
• Banking industries

The purifier's air cleaning methods

There are different types of air cleaning methods embedded in a single commercial air purifier. These methods involve different technologies that is said to be appropriate for a specific pollutant or an existing problem within the facility's system. Take note that some commercial air purifiers combine two or more of these technologies thus making them a wise purchase if you are to address different types of pollutants within the workplace. Methods of air filtration that should be included in the checklist are the following:

• The use of the High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance or HEPA filter. This one makes use of a fine mesh to trap any particulate matter that travels in the air including the finest particles of dust, dander and pollen.
• The Thermodynamic Sterilizing System or TSS technology which makes use of super-heated air in order to break microorganisms that pollute the air.
• The use of carbon to destroy Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs as well as other chemicals and gases that can be inhaled by anyone. This type of method needs frequent replacement of the module depending on how often they are used.
• The ion technology which releases both positively and negatively charged ions to attract pollutants that get into the air. 

The size of your space

Another important factor to include in your checklist is the indoor area. Depending on how large your workplace is you will need a commercial air purifier that can accommodate the needs of the space. Make sure that you check out the efficiency, coverage area and noise levels of air purifiers too when buying one.

Other factors to consider

After carefully looking into the considerations enumerated above, you may also consider other factors that may affect the purchase. It is either you want a portable air purifier or one that can be wall-mounted. You may also consider the colour that blends well with your space. You can get a commercial air purifier in white, black or off-white. Of course, you should also consider your budget before purchasing one.

What Are The Different Types Of Air Pollutants In Your Home?

There will come a point in your life when you will notice that there is a need to purify the air within your home. It might be because you notice that your family members get sick (usually with a cold) more frequently than before. It can also be because you happen to be sneezing more often than usual. Whatever it is that pushes you to invest in a dependable air filtration system, take it as a good start for a healthier, happier home.

Before you actually invest in one, it will be good to know more about the harmful components that may need some 'purifying'. Knowing the different types of pollutants that exist inside the home first will make it easier for you to know which product suits your needs best. The list of pollutants include the following.

The PM10

The abbreviation PM in the world of pollutants denote particulate matter whilst 10 is the size of that particulate matter in micron. These particles include larger particulates of pet dander, pollen, hair and dust which can float anywhere inside an average household. The quantity of PM10 particulates may vary from one home to another and can be dictated by the location, type of accommodation, size of the home and the ventilation inside it. 

When the levels of PM10 rise because you fail to notice them or do something about keeping them away, health problems can be triggered. For a start, you can invest in a pre-filter in an air purifier. These ones are effective in removing these particles from your home.

The PM2.5 particle

A more dangerous particle that can sneak inside the home is the PM2.5 particle. These are smaller by 30 times than the width of the human hair. Imagine how ultra-fine these dust particles are and think of how they can easily enter our homes and even our bodies. When left unnoticed they can enter the bloodstream and affect the functioning of the respiratory system. They can even worsen your asthma problems and other respiratory ailments.

Dealing with PM2.5 particulates will be easy. They can be effectively removed by air purifiers that have HEPA filters in them. HEPA filters are actually a standard when it comes to air filtration inside the home and in the workplace.  It is capable of trapping over 99% of PM2.5 present in ambient air.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde becomes present in air after painting walls and furnishings. They can also be found in adhesives and solvents used in electronics. These gaseous fumes can easily sneak into our homes. When exposed to these gases, you can feel nauseated and your eyes will become irritated. It can also be a cause of headache. There are also some forms of formaldehyde which can be inhaled from cleaning agents and disinfectants. These can be a cause for health disorders and discomfort as well.

In order to get rid of such pollutants, you will need to invest in an air purifier that contains an activated carbon filter. Such an agent can help trap these gaseous forms by freezing them. Certain air purifiers contain technologies that can get rid of these pollutants without taking away the natural moisture from indoor air.

These pollutants in the air can be a cause of alarm when left unattended. Come to think of it, you cannot see these particulate matters and gaseous forms through the naked eye. Before you even know it, you might have inhaled these fumes and particulates and your body will already be affected. You do not have to wait until such a thing happens. What you need is a reliable air filtration system to take precautions that will keep you healthy.

How Does Investing In Hospital Air Purifiers Save You Money?

Just like when investing in anything, purchasing hospital air filters will require careful consideration on the part of the management team. After all, this will need capital outlay which will translate into the need to weigh in on the costs and benefits of the investment. Many times, management will turn their backs away from the possibility of buying this piece of equipment because of the costs associated with them. The truth is that there are ways in which investing in hospital air filters can save you money, and that's why you should never neglect this onus.

It can help you save on energy costs

One of the factors that trigger the possibility of not purchasing hospital air purifiers is the corresponding energy costs that one has to incur once the equipment is put to use. Air filters, as we all know, require the use of energy. Often, in a healthcare environment, air filter energy turns out to be the costliest amongst all other items categorised under energy cost. It is sad to note that with the age-old air filters in the hospital, costs become even higher since it requires more frequent change of filters and maintenance.

The good thing to note is that there are many innovations these days that do not require as much energy as those used by traditional hospital air filters. The more modern air filters are energy-efficient and are guaranteed to cut energy cost by about 40 percent. That will translate into huge savings on your part.

It lessens the possibilities of air-borne infections

One of the main reasons behind why air filters are needed in hospitals is to help reduce air-borne infections within the healthcare environment. Take note that the deadliest and most dangerous particles spread through air inside the hospital. Once air spreads then airborne infection grows as well. This is a health hazard that should never be taken for granted especially that it can affect not just hospital patients who are already recovering from illnesses but also healthcare providers serving them.

How can air filter help you save money in this regard? Remember the billions spent for hospitalisation fees annually. A portion of this total will have to be reimbursed by hospitals to patients who have enrolled in healthcare programs. The more patients who come to you for hospitalisation, the more money you will lose in the long run. With airborne infections this can grow even more. If you finally decide to invest in hospital air filters, you lessen this cost plus of course, you also save lives.

It reduces the disposal costs

Many hospital air filters these days can serve hospital needs longer than usual. Unlike traditional air filters that will require regular replacement once the life expectancy has been reached, the more modern options do not require more frequent change or disposal. This will save not just on hospital cost but Mother Earth as well.

It reduces total cost of ownership

Investing in the more modern hospital air filters will not just reduce disposal cost. It will also help reduce all costs related to owning one including labour and maintenance. It will also lessen the cost of replacing filters over its life expectancy. It is good to note that you can even compute the possible costs you will spend towards the life of the equipment. This will help you anticipate future costs for the investment.

The secret in saving costs when investing in a hospital air filter is to invest in the right system that will work for your healthcare environment's needs. You must understand clearly how the system works before making an investment. The service provider should also be willing to explain the system to you to help you know what to expect in the long run.

Does Your Office Need Better Air Quality?

Let's acknowledge the fact that you have to spend a lot of your time at your workplace. Come to think of it, you go there at least 5 times a week and spend at least 8 hours per day there. This translates to more than 2,000 hours in a year. With so much time in the office, you will want to make sure it is a comfortable place for you and everybody else going there. 

However, there is a list of common problems related to the workplace and when comfort is a concern, you always have to make sure that air quality is not compromised. You have to take note that poor air quality translates to a list of issues. How will you know that your office needs better air quality? Consider the following as warning signs:

You feel increasingly tired at work

You have prepped yourself up for office every day but you have noticed you have been losing the usual energy that you have – when at work. It seems like you want to sleep on your desk and do nothing at all. Yes, you are stressed and you feel like you are too tired to accomplish your task. Even if you want, you find it hard to concentrate.

It can be because of poor air quality. This can result from poor ventilation or a buildup of dust in the office's HVAC system. It will be good to take some time out of the office to breathe fresh air. But it will be best to have an air purifier inside the workplace too.

You feel like your head aches terribly at the end of your work day

Another warning sign is feeling like you have a headache after finishing your work day. What is so alarming with this is that you only feel the ache when you are inside the building. Once you get out, it will seem like everything in your head is clear. Take note that having headaches is a sign of indoor air pollution. When this is the case, you will need proper ventilation in the workplace.

You suddenly feel like you have sinusitis

Do you feel like you are having a hard time breathing because your nose seems constricted? Does this happen only when you are inside your office? This feeling is your response either to an allergy source or to poor air quality in the workplace. This can happen all year if you do not pay attention to indoor air quality. 

You feel nauseous even when you are not really sick

Nausea is a common indication that you are not feeling very well. When you have this feeling for no reason at all then there is reason to be alarmed. If this happens when you get to work then you have by all means reason to believe that it is your workplace that causes the problem. It will definitely be about the air you breathe inside the office if you have already ruled out all other possible reasons.

Your office smells weird

When your workplace smells odd and you noticed that the air is damp, there is reason to believe that indoor air pollutants have already set inside the office. Worse is there can be molds inside already. You definitely want to deal with this right away and tell management about the problem.

You have to make sure that indoor air quality is at its best in the workplace. Investing in an air purification system will be your best option to maintain the workplace as a healthy place for you and your fellow workers as well.